Why We Love Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Too!)

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 worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take 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. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends read more has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These here bushings form an essential part 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 specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car check here to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get an click here upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the here contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.