12 Companies Leading The Way In Automotive Key Repair
12 Companies Leading The Way In Automotive Key Repair
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you could need to get a new one created. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.
It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.
Another common automotive key repair 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 the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need electronic car key repair to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade style 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.