Watch Out: How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Watch Out: How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
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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 engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold 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. After that, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal 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 machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets auto key repair near me wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.