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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to get a new one created. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key fob repairs will work.

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

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can get 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 a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They also offer various other services like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition 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. This is due to the negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern remote car key repairs keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys repair is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

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