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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or near spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on 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 due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

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

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

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

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

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has blade, fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.