The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Sexiest, Worst, And Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Sexiest, Worst, And Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
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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 on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle 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 carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.
If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have car key repair shop near me to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. 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 an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.