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 moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take one end of the key using 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 inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, you may need to get a new one created. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.

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

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more easily. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.

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

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, Automotive Key Repair your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key repairs near me fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it could involve 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 fix your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.