We've all been there: the car key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk 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 some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
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 however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or 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 with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.
If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.
In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide a range of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.
It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, 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 open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. key fob repairs near me informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.
