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 turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key repair service is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it 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 test whether it will turn.

If not, you could require a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent remote key repairs, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair car keys.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto 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 offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then 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 die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

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

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming and will require a special technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.