10 Things We Hate 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 keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

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

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon 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. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

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

These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As car keys repair , they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.