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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or broken bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you may require a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair car key remote, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

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

In some cases the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones 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 worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, broken and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

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 make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key car repair to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.