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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more 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 could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to keyless Entry Repair your gear selector device. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, Keyless Entry Repair or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the mobile key repair is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.