We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or returning home from work.
There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.
If not, you could need to have a new one made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Selector for gears
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Most times the issue is fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In car key fob repairs , the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.
Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.
