Why We Our Love For 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: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or automotive key repair lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto key fob repair repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.