The Three Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History

Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is thin and can break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do 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. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you may need to get a new one created. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as 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 a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store.  car key sensor repair near me  will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.