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 occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your car with groceries or on your way home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their mobile car key repair near me. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, automotive key repair and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock key repair near me to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you may require a new one created. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when 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. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system, allowing it move more easily. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

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

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key but hear nothing but 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 die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or automotive key repair directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your remote key repair is blade type or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.