15 Terms That Everyone Is In The Automotive Key Repair Industry Should Know
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.
Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.
Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and supple.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If visit this website notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.