Tips For Explaining Automotive Key Repair To Your Mom
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't 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 find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 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 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. car keys repair may be stuck is because 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 cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. 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 the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.