Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.

Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car keys repair. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you may need to get a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.

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

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or car Key repair graphite powder. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because 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, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is 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's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning 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 could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key car repair could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument 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 has an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.