15 Up-And-Coming Automotive Key Repair Bloggers You Need To Be Keeping An Eye On

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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk 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 solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may 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 get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection how to repair car key lock of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. 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 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 go. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.