Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide To Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or 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 keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason why car keys repair near me owners are unable to start their remote car key repairs. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it will turn.
If not, you could require a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or automotive key repair in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.