Why Nobody Cares About Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all been there - your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, you could need to get a new one made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

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

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.