Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could 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 pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, 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.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! 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 important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. simply click the up coming document is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. 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 be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.