14 Smart Ways To Spend Your Left-Over Automotive Key Repair Budget
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if bent even slightly.
You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for 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 the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.
It's a good idea keep a spare key 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 bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
key fob repairs and springs that are stuck
A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition key and hear nothing but 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 start to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
A key fob that's not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit 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 the owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.