20 Fun Facts About Automotive Key Repair

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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

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

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

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

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason 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 straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they undergo a 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 could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly.  key repair near me  is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade type, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.