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 moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work. Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible 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 an easy fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and could break if bent even a little. To accomplish remote key fob repair , you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns. If not, you may need to have a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work. It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key. If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key. Pins that are snuck or springs A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench. If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer. If you need help with your car keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key. Gear selector If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair. Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. 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 issue in a matter of minutes. In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple. You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line. These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission. Dead battery If you turn the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals. A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery. It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly. A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet. You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming by a special technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one. Ignition socket Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons. If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the 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 in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick 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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