Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide On Automotive Key Repair

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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your car keys repairs with groceries or when you're returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you might need to get a new key made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken key repair near me lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. 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 and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, Automotive Key Repair it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system 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. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate 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-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.