Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide For Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.

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

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken key repair lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

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

In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another common automotive key repair key (try these guys out) is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car key repairs near me theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new remote key repair with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.