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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and solutions for Automotive Key Repair them:

Broken or bent key fob repairs

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. 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. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get 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 pieces of machines. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and automotive key repair on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key 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 key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.