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

We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new one created. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

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

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

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

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

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 visit an auto key repair near me repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands 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 possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original Mobile Key Repair. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.