10 Things We All Were Hate About Automotive Key Repair
10 Things We All Were Hate About Automotive Key Repair
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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 engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible 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. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the car keys repairs near me gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.