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 engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

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

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

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

If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In some cases the gear selector fobs bushing could be damaged or worn out. 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 in your joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern mobile car key repair keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.