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 in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

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

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is 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 most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

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 concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, website your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, check here this is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is more info a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring here your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle check here before it can be used to start the engine.