The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Automotive Key Repair
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About 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 can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.
Rather than panic There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at 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, you could need to get a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins or springs
Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can 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 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition 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. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, key repair service which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.