Why Nobody Cares 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 key refuses to turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

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

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

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. 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. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based 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 any vehicle key.

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible 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 could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking.  car key fob repair  is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most 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 key could be at the dealership or by contacting 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, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.