The 3 Greatest Moments In Automotive Key Repair History

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 engage in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key on 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. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land vehicle Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key fob repairs into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the remote car key repair near me to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and vehicle insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade-style or a 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.