10 Key Factors On Automotive Key Repair You Didn't Learn In School
10 Key Factors On Automotive Key Repair You Didn't Learn In School
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 keys won't engage 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.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you 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 covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car key repair cost car before you can start the motor.