The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Best, Worst, And Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Best, Worst, And Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning 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 their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should car key fob repairs near me also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear only a click, then 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 end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.
Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.