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 - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way home from work.
There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You'll need a solid work surface and 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 put it in the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you may need to have a new key made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.
It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.
Contact you could try this out if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.
Gear selector
It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.
Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.
Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.
If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.