20 Fun Facts About Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.

To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Hold the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new one made. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning 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 could become confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. Read Homepage will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.