10 Key Factors Concerning Automotive Key Repair You Didn't Learn In School
10 Key Factors Concerning Automotive Key Repair You Didn't Learn In School
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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 - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your central locking key repair vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached 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 go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why 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 during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for 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 undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert. 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 equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.