10 Essentials About Automotive Key Repair You Didn't Learn In School

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

We've all had this experience the car keys won't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key fob repair service repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the remote key fob repairs. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken car key repair near me key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

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

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause your car remote key repair shop near me to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car Key lock repair near me before it can be used to start the engine.