Why Nobody Cares About Automotive Key Repair
Why Nobody Cares 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 been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it 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. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost every 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 security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are a critical part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also provide many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure 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 connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming by a special technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of 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 existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site car key lock repair near me using a precision cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.