Tips For Explaining Automotive Key Repair To Your Mom
Tips For Explaining Automotive Key Repair To Your Mom
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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 keys won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take the key on one end with the pliers and 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 test whether it turns.
If not, you might require a new key made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.
Stuck pins or springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures 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 machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.
Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but 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 properly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car key repair cost car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
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 accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty 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.