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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, Car Key Repair you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will work.

It's a good idea 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're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken 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 apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also provide many other services such as 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. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them how to repair car key fob die early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start 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 electric windows to malfunction. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and car key repair insurance reasons.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade type or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.