Why We Love Automotive Key Repair (And You Should Also!)

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 on the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work. There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions: Broken or bent keys 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 may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break. To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn. If not, you may require a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work. Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks. If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key. Stuck pins or springs A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench. If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car. If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle. Gear Selector It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix. Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes. In some cases the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible. It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission. Dead battery If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die 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 the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for a new battery. Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly. Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet. You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one. Ignition socket Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes. If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual. Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If link web site has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.