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

We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to get a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having trouble starting your car remote key repair near me in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, 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 to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, Car key repair it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and Automotive Key Repair insurance reasons.

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

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.