An Intermediate Guide On Automotive Key Repair

Automotive Key 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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or returning to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.

If not, you might need to have a new one created. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier 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. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is key repair because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

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

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

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather 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.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.