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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it turns.

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

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them how to repair broken car key die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for remote control car key repairs an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within 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 all functioning correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car key immobiliser repair if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your Remote control car key Repairs prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door remote control car key repairs jamb, or in your 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 in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.