An Automotive Key Repair Success Story You'll Never Believe

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

We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may require a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to prevent 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. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. 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 make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer a g28 car keys variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

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

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

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 vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.