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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key fob repairs near me, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, Emergency Car Key Repair and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not 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 can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer Emergency car key repair, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.