20 Tips To Help You Be More Efficient With Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your car key repair service to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your Car Remote Key Fob Repair prior to you go. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.