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 engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key with 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 inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.

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

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming 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 help prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and Key Repair Service a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of a technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

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

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 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 guide.

Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.