10 Things We Love About 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 key won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning home from work. Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions: Broken or bent keys A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break. To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes. If not, you might require a new one created. You will not need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work. It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key. If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key. Spring pins and springs with pins Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench. If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car. Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key. Gear selector It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair. Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes. In some instances the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible. It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line. These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission. Dead battery If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate. A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get a new battery. It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed 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 an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects 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 with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet. You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one. car remote key repair near me have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. car key fob repairs near me tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons. If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide. Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.