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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

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

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an Auto Key fob repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic car key repair near me devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.