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 key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

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

broken key repair near me or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector automotive key repair is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic car key repair near me devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one for it 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 newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.