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

We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Rather than panic There are many options to get you 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 a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and could break if bent even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. 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. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new key made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key repair shop near me will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

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

In certain instances the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer many other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key repairs keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether the key repair shop near me is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car key and repair theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys repair near me is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there, write down 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 manual.

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