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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended 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, you might need to have a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

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

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

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

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset a lost auto key fob repair fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob key repair near me, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.