Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
Rather than panic, 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. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is thin and may break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can become 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 the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring 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 issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. car remote key repair can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also provide a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.