The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History
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 could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it turns.
If not, you may require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.
broken car key repair and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.