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 turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few 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. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and Automotive Key Repair will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable end 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 bushing could get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, automotive key repair and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

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

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic car key repair near me signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.