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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car key fob repairs. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or automotive key repair in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

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

If you have an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium 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 notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.