Watch Out: How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new one made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice 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 restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
key repair shop near me come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member 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 an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.