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 in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. 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 common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is thin and daywell.kr may break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure 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.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 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 off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, g28carkeys.Co.uk give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own 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 car prior to you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has blade, fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.