Automotive Key Repair A Simple Definition

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 worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.
Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. 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 begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.
To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.
If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.
Pins that are snuck or springs
Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.
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. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.
Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.
In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.
You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.
These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that 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 the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If key car repair have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.
Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.
It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.
Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.