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

We've all been there - your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you're loading your car key button repair with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key repair near me. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and 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 inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease 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 graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

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

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny 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 vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new 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 go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door remote car key repairs jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your remote car key Repairs before you can use it to start the motor.