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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 engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could require a new one made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes  key fob repairs near me  might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.