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 on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.

To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.

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

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. A pin is a small 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 parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of your car key fob repair battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for Automotive key Repair your vehicle before you can start the motor.