20 Fun Facts About Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car key repair owner can't start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key repair near me key, try applying oil to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector Automotive Key Repair may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and 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 because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.