Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work. Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them: Broken or bent key A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break. To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn. If not, you might require a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function. Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks. If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key. Stuck pins or springs Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench. If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer. If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace any vehicle key. Gear Selector It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon 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 continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair. Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes. In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft. It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance. Dead battery If you switch the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits. A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If car key fob repair has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get a new battery. It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly. Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet. Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons. If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual. Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.
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