Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken key repair or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and supple.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require a special technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door cse.google.co.za jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade style or key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.