20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In 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 - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and motor flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, motor but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

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

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob key repair.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.