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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you have trouble 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. Spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic car key repair near me key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible 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 is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very 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 premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

Another common automotive key repair [My Page] is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your remote car key repairs and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key repairs keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on 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 installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.