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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

broken car key repair or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it 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 see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! 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 crucial to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car key repair service keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic car key repair near Me signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and electronic car Key repair near me insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you have is a blade type or key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.