Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair [mouse click on www.g28carkeys.co.uk] issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take 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. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are 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 an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern Car Key Repairs Near Me keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.