Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work. Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions: Broken or bent keys A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little. 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 and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes. If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function. Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if yours breaks. If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key. Stuck pins and springs Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench. If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car. Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key. Gear selector If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair. Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes. In certain instances, the bushings 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 move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible. It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line. These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide many other services, like transmission service and maintenance. Dead battery If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals. A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery. It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly. Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet. Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on car remote key repair 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 could require professional programming and will require an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one. Ignition socket Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons. If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual. Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.
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