20 Resources To Help You Become More Effective At Automotive Key Repair
20 Resources To Help You Become More Effective At Automotive Key Repair
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to get a new one created. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also called 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 two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.
Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing except 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 die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require a special technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device car key sensor repair near me in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.