Automotive Key Repair: A Simple Definition

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, like when you’re loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you’ll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it 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 changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

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

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car’s manufacturer and model.

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

Gear Selector

It’s important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector Auto Key Fob Repair is stuck in park. It’s a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it’s crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.

It’s not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component 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 key fob repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair car keys of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don’t hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it’s time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner’s guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn’t fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. But it’s still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This can be found on the dashboard’s front, door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of 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 using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.