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 loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and automotive Key Repair springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may 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 and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the mobile car key repair near me's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also offer various other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

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

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

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

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repairs near me keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs 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 system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could 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 is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate 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 style or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.