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

We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.

There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with 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 place it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can 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 the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car key button repair you may have to open and close the doors, turn 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. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key fob repair service is correct for the car key lock repair near me to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.