The 3 Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
The 3 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 had this experience the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. key fob repair This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing 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 crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.