14 Clever Ways To Spend On Leftover Automotive Key Repair Budget
14 Clever Ways To Spend On Leftover Automotive Key Repair Budget
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Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.
There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:
Broken or bent key
The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.
To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will function.
Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs that are stuck
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.
If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.
In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer various other services like transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.
It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.
Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your car key fob repair device, it could require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.