It's Time To Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You No Longer Need It
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that 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 known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is 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.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. auto key repair G28 Car Keys Solutions between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument 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 are using has blade, fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.