7 Easy Tips For Totally Rolling With Your Automotive Key Repair
7 Easy Tips For Totally Rolling With Your 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 had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
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 that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the 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 an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. broken car key repair If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.