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

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

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

Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys (click this link here now) or locks! We can repair car key remote, replace or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task 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 work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid 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 are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto key repair repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.