Automotive Key Repair: A Simple Definition
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning to home from work.
Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.
If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become 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 parts of a machine. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.
If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear Selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.
In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.
It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, 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 prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.
It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.
You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If g28carkeys.co.uk doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.
If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade type or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.