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 had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair - click to find out more, problems and solutions for them:

broken key repair near me or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car key repairs owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key fob repairs at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It is essential 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 you 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, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They also offer a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, switch 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 fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles 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 contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.