12 Companies Leading The Way In Automotive Key Repair
12 Companies Leading The Way In Automotive Key Repair
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.
If not, you may need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A key repairs mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade-style or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.