Why We Are In Love With Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Also!)
Why We Are In Love With Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Also!)
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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: the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and 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 test whether it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.
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 broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems car key fob repairs near me that are expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control 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 essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.