auto key repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.
Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.
To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it may be time to get 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 in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.
These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, 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 become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). 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 AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.