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

We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road. 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 vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and can break if bent even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could 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 a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your car remote key fob repair locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it move more easily. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair car key shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also provide a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair car key of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car key remote repair near me is experiencing problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.