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 could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work. Rather than panic There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions: Broken or bent key A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little. To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes. If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work. It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key. If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key. Pins that are snuck or springs Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench. If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car. Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key. Selector for gears It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix. Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes. In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible. You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission. Dead battery If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, 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 inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate. A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery. It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly. Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures. Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons. If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down key fob repairs (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual. Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.
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