A Brief History Of The Evolution Of Automotive Key Repair

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 turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

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

To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

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

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. 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 the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In  car remote key repair  there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your 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 duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade-style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.