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 on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions that will 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 key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock key repair near me to see whether it will turn.

If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed 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 locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Selector for gears

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates in your car key fob repair service battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car key remote repair and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.