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

We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your car key repairs with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key at 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 into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (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 out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. 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 more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also provide a variety of other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and Automotive Key Repair as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the remote car key repairs whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the 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 a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.