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

We've all been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, you may need to have a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken car key repair or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, automotive key repair which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car key repair cost battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car key lock repair near me to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, Automotive key repair the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.