Avoid Making This Fatal Mistake On Your Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent 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 very thin and could break if bent even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you could need to have a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying 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 apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair car keys.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common 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 straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car keys repair battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.

Another common repair car keys for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer 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 harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle, this will 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 your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car key lock repair near me if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key repair shops near me in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.