15 Up-And-Coming Automotive Key Repair Bloggers You Need To Follow
Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work. There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key problems and solutions: Broken or bent keys The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break. To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes. If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works. Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged. If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key. Spring pins and springs with pins Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench. If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer. If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle. Selector for gears It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix. Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes. In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible. It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line. These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission. Dead battery If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits. A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery. It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly. Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures. It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the 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 specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In broken key repair of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons. If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide. Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.