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 key won't turn on the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.

To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Pick up 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. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new one made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the remote key fob repairs needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may 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 should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and automotive key repair service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.