20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you might need to have a new one made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance 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 soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide a variety of other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require a special technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. key repair shop near me tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative 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 the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.