Ten Pinterest Accounts To Follow About Automotive Key Repair
Ten Pinterest Accounts To Follow About Automotive Key Repair
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't turn in 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 solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take one end of the key with 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 in the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may need to have a new one made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element repair car key of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands 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.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security 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 is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.