12 Stats About Automotive Key Repair To Make You Think Smarter About Other People
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. car key repair service can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that is not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.