15 Terms That Everyone Is In The Automotive Key Repair Industry Should Know
15 Terms That Everyone Is In The Automotive Key Repair Industry Should Know
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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: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. 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 start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.
If not, you may need to have a new one created. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.
In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.
It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer a range of other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a car key lock repair near me click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note 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 current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.