Twenty Myths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted
Twenty Myths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted
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 key won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and could break if bent even a little.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that how to repair car key lock it is time repair car remote control key for a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to click here security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the car key repair shop near me contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a large grey or black head on it, key lock repair near me it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.