Automotive Key Repair: The Evolution Of Automotive Key Repair
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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are 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.
car key fob repair that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become 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 an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find 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 right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming that will require the assistance of technicians. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.