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 times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then 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 see if it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

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

If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

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 crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. car keys repair near me is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.

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

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.
car keys repair near me