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

We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key lock repair near me issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key on one end 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 place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.

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

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer many other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

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 the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was a major 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 change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your current key repairs, Click On this page, to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.