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

We've all been there - the car key won't engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken Car Key repair near me lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

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

If you own a brand new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand Broken Car Key Repair Near Me newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of 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 with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key repair shop is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.