7 Simple Strategies To Completely Rolling With Your Automotive Key Repair
7 Simple Strategies To Completely Rolling With Your Automotive Key Repair
Blog Article
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged 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 as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help car key circuit board repair you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.