Automotive Key Repair: A Simple Definition
Automotive Key Repair: A Simple Definition
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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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test if it will turn.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
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 a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours car fob repairs near me of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.