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

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

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. lock key repair near me may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you may need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 pieces of machines. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then 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 die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

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

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.
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