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

We've all been there - your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is thin and may 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 using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you may require a new one made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you own 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 procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or g28 car keys locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent 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 certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car key and repair has been having issues starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes your problem 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 all work properly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for car key and Repair security and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.