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 could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key fob repair near me is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to see if it will turn.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the car and automotive key repair manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if 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 can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land automotive key repair Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for a new battery.

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

A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car key repair cost it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular 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 an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.