15 Undeniable Reasons To Love Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. Read the Full Article is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in 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 age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate 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 with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade type or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.