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

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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key repair shops near me is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 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 most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or automotive key repair by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

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