7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

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

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can 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 make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

car key repair near me G28  form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.