Do Not Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
Do Not Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic 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 complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch 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 get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key 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 car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic mobile key repair devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.