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 engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key repair near me at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! 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 if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern 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 issues, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances there are instances where to repair car key remote (agree with this) the gear selector bushing may get damaged or where to repair car Key remote worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices 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, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If the mobile key repair you are using has blade, fob or a large grey or black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.