Automotive Key Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.
There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Take the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.
If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.
It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using link homepage , ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.
Stuck pins and springs
A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a brand new car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.
In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.
You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. 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 the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.
A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.
Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.