10 Meetups On Automotive Key Repair You Should Attend

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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can help you get 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. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip remote key fob repairs it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, motor which is why they must be flexible and healthy.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working 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 can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.