10 Things We Love About Automotive Key Repair
10 Things We Love About Automotive Key Repair
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new key made. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. A pin is a small 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 pieces of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having repair car keys near me your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.