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 turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key repair near me key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

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

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

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 safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, automotive key repair including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your remote car key repair near me is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or Automotive Key Repair a large grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.