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

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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent 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 appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Hold the remote key repairs on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

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 work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob repair service fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.