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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It occurs 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 bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair (sneak a peek here) problems and possible solutions:

broken car key repair or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.

If not, you might need to get a new one created. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your remote key repairs is damaged.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

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

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program 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 as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, 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 find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right 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 device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.