How To Get Better Results From Your Automotive Key Repair
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 turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours 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 allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or 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 in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.
In some cases the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element 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 shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
car key fob repair service
If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.