7 Simple Secrets To Totally Refreshing Your 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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
There are many different solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are car key fob repair and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you could need to get a new one made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 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 pieces of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit 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 if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure 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. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which 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 or a key fob or has a thick 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.