15 Terms Everyone Working 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 had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.
There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you could require a new one created. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.
Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
broken car key repair G28 Car Keys
If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.
A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.
