An Adventure Back In Time The Conversations People Had About Automotive Key Repair 20 Years Ago
An Adventure Back In Time The Conversations People Had About Automotive Key Repair 20 Years Ago
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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 can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also provide you with various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three car key repair service and five years, and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.