12 Stats About Automotive Key Repair To Make You Take A Look At Other People
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the IgnitionWe've all been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to get a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become 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 pieces of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide many other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
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 an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, 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 even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with 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 broken car key repair near me motor.