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 been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock and key repair near me key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or remote key Fob repairs spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car remote key fob repair keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety 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. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

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 precisely 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 thick black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.