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 up your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.

To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you may require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key will work.

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

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

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand automotive key repair new car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

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

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary where to repair car key remote open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

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

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.