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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

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 repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish 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. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, you may need to get a new one made. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an keyless entry repairs point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

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

Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

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 tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, Automotive Key Repair serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

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

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob key repair, it could require professional programming by an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car key repair company before you can start the motor.