Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
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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 the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, 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
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as website those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you get more info don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need 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 problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by 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 electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are here equipped with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem check here that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you website visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.