20 Fun Details About Automotive Key Repair
20 Fun Details About Automotive Key Repair
Blog Article
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 occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many different solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you mobile car key repair near me find that yours is wearing out, it's a good 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, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with 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.