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 turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Hold the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.

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

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and car key repair 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new car key repairs that uses 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 process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto key repair repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector device. They can also offer many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

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

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. 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 may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.