Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide In 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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key fob repair. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended 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, it may be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This 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 that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, automotive key repair so they must be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, the issue may 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 automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually 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 utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or automotive key repair a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.