This Is The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget
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 worst moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. key lock repair near me can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to get a new one made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.
how to repair car key lock is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance 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 damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key 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 the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. how to repair car key lock can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.