Tips For Explaining Automotive Key Repair To Your Mom

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 could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from 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 a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent remote key repair, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get 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 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car key button repair. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair car key remote your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car key and repair and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off 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 which requires the help of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or 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 to precisely 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 an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.