It's The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget

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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

There are many solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key 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 might require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! 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 you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem 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 are all functioning properly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted.  auto key repair near me  tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.