Twenty Myths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted
Twenty Myths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could need to get a new one created. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. 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 help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a small 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work 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 a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if 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 could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and central locking key repair should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.