The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
The Three 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 been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! 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 you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It is possible that repair car key near me your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.