20 Fun Informational Facts About Automotive Key Repair
20 Fun Informational Facts About Automotive Key Repair
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking 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 issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are lock and key repair near me positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you 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 start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in 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 calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.