Don't Make This Mistake With Your Automotive Key Repair

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 in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

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

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the 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 in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.

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

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.

It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the repair broken car key door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank 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, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.