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

We've all had this experience - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks give us a call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of 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 electric windows to fail. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

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

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car key fob repair service whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for automotive key repair security and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has blade, fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.