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

We've all been there: the car key won't engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken Car Key Repair or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple but be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish 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. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may need to get a new key made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and Key Fob Repair prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures 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 an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have 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 car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair car key fob, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or car remote Key repair near me door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car key fob repair before you can use it to start the motor.