20 Fun Informational 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 key refuses to engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get 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 out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those 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 damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could 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 require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. auto key repair near me transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.