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

We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, 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 common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why the owner of a car key fob repair near me is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Hold the key at one end with 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 inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

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

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

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is 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 pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, Automotive Key Repair give us call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears 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. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer various other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.