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 moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, wood-max.co.kr as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key at 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. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could need to get a new key made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for G28 Car Keys an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car key fob repair service that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's important to keep them healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car key immobiliser repair (visit the next post) if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way 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 leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key has an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.