A Retrospective: How People Talked About Automotive Key Repair 20 Years Ago
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab 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 put it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting 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. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, 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 car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide a range of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If see page doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.