Do Not Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It

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

We've all been there - your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.

There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

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

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application.  car key repairs  will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

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

A key fob that is not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.