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 on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and automotive key repair solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

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 broken 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 allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car key repairs that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you need help with your car keys or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle key repairs if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.