Ten Things Your Competitors Learn About Automotive Key Repair
Ten Things Your Competitors Learn 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: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also called 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, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made 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 yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that is not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major remote key repair near me issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.