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

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

We've all had this experience - the car remote key repair key won't engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within 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 properly.

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

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or automotive key repair in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.