10 Facts About Automotive Key Repair That Will Instantly Make You Feel Good Mood
10 Facts About Automotive Key Repair That Will Instantly Make You Feel Good Mood
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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 when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading 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 keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out car fob repairs near me over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Key fobs that are 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 may become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write 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 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 accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.