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 engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or automotive key repair on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine if it will turn.

If not, you might need to have a new one created. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare remote key repair near me in your pocket, so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also 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 could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

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