5 Laws That Will Help In The Automotive Key Repair Industry
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 engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. ignition key repair near me may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it 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 test if it will turn.
If not, you may require a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the model, 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 solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.