It's Time To Forget Automotive Key Repair: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It

Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work. Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions: Broken or bent key A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little. You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn. If not, you may need to get a new key made. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will work. Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks. If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key. Stuck pins or springs Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench. If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer. Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle. Gear Selector If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix. Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes. In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible. You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission. Dead battery If you switch the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits. A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery. Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem. Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures. Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If car key fob repair doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons. If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide. Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.