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 been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab 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 inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security 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, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. homesite will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.