"The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And Strangest Things We've Ever Seen
"The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And Strangest Things We've Ever Seen
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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 turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of 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. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could 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 and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the get more info gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them in good shape and soft.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and read more off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is read more inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, here in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need click here to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.