Why Nobody Cares 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 key refuses to engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many different solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repairs repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at 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. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key repair car.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair key or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become 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 malfunction. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your 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 if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of 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 fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.