The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key repair Shops near me will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car key repair's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but 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 gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.
Another type of mobile key repair repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic car key repair near me devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or a key repair shop near me fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.