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

We've all had this experience - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your existing key will function.

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 broken key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.

Pins that are snuck or springs

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 two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of 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 keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also provide various other services, such as maintenance and repair car keys of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repair keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or automotive key repair directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.