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 had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold 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. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you could need to get a new one made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but 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 crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop broken key repair near me working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch 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 fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.