It's The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget
It's The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which 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 become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find 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 locate the ideal parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset a lost key fob key repair car by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.