Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need 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 the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one made. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying 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 becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is 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 pieces of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if 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 problem can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to key fob repair near me the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer various other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the 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 your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.