11 "Faux Pas" Which Are Actually OK To Use With Your 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 key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock.  key fob repairs near me  will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every 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. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be 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 correctly.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current 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. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.