The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
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 turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work. Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions: Broken or bent key A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break. To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes. If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work. Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle if it is damaged. If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. key repair near me will also help prevent water from destroying your device. Spring pins and springs that are stuck Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench. If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car. If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key. Gear selector If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern 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 having bigger problems that are expensive to fix. Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes. In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more easily. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft. You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission. Dead battery If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals. A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery. It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly. A key fob that is not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures. It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons. If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide. Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.