Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide In 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 key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare key fob repairs near me in your pocket, so you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own 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 car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Luckily, Automotive Key Repair most times, this issue 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 disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order 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.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.

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

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.