There's A Reason Why The Most Common Automotive Key Repair Debate Actually Isn't As Black And White As You Think
There's A Reason Why The Most Common Automotive Key Repair Debate Actually Isn't As Black And White As You Think
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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: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also provide a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require 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 solve your device, it could require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a read more receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to keys repair go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification key repair carclick here number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific key repair near me car before it can be used to start the engine.