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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new key made. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

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

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become 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 parts of a machine. In most cases, Automotive Key Repair you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car remote key repair near me. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector device. They also offer various other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security 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. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.