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 turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel 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 using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your car key fob repair service keys or locks! We can repair, Automotive Key Repair replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority times, automotive key repair this issue can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They also offer various 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 but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current 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 is blade style or key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.