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 on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many different solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most 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 an easy fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will work.

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

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. A pin is a small 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 pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car key repair shop near me that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain in good shape and Automotive key Repair soft.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, automotive key repair you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. 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 an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.