20 Truths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted

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 occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work. There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions: Broken or bent keys A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and could break if bent even slightly. To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key on 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, repair car key fob can put it into the lock to see if it turns. If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work. It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key. If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key. Stuck pins or springs A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench. If car key fob repairs have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car. Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key. Gear selector It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair. Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes. In certain instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft. It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission. Dead battery If you switch the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits. A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery. It is possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem. Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet. Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes. If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, 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 a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.