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

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 turn on the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and could break if bent even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that 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 a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. 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. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto key fob repair repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. 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 an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the 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 in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob key repair near me or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.