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 key refuses to turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them car remote key repair shop near me healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's here possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by here having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance here purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could website be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.