Why We Are In Love With Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Too!)
Why We Are In Love With Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Too!)
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key 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 into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to get a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent 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 within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system here to aid in making it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they read more undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate website crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the websitecheck here radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
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 the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own 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 number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.