Guide To Automotive Key Repair: The Intermediate Guide In 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 keys won't engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then 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 see whether it turns.

If not, it may be time to get 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 to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

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

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We can repair car key fob or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that 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 perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They also offer many other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, key repair it could require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing 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. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.