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

We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or returning to home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different 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

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take one end of the key with the pliers and automotive Key repair bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

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

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more smoothly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component 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 shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your remote key fob repair blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.