Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all been there - the car key won't engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way to home from work. There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them: Broken or bent key A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break. You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns. If not, you might need to get a new one made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function. Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged. If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key. Pins that are snuck or springs A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench. If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car. If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle. Gear Selector If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair. Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes. In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible. It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line. These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission. Dead battery If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate. A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery. Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue. Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet. It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons. If repair car key own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual. Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.
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