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

We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

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

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock remote key fob repair near me, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are 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 most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for try these out your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. 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 and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another common repair car key remote for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny 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 cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic car key repair near me devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate 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 is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.