20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
key lock repair near me can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.