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 on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car key button repair to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key repair car. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.