Why No One Cares About Automotive Key Repair

Full Statement  - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there: the car key won't engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. 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. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may require a new key made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a 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 even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.