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

Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. 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. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have 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 help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for automotive key Repair instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and Automotive Key Repair five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

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

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repairs keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately 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 or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.