10 Things Your Competitors Help You Learn About Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. g28carkeys is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.