Watch Out: How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not,  nearby key repair shop  could require a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.

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

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It's crucial 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 you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the 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 prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

electronic car key repair  is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.