The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in 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.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door key fob repair jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.