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

We've all been there: your car key refuses to engage the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

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

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 are experiencing issues 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 stop it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get 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 pieces of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system how to repair car key fob help it move more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, kbphone.co.kr and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.