12 Facts About Automotive Key Repair To Make You Think Smarter About Other People
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. car key fob repair service may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. 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, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and 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 your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.