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

We've all been there: your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent Key repair car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. 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 an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and Key Repair car model.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings 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 supple.

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

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may 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 electronic car key repair near me keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your existing working 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 precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.