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 turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it 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 turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a Broken Key Repair - https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/ or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as 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, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made 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 find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car remote key repair near me - https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/nissan-car-key-replacements-near-me/ keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.