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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key car repair is very thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine if it will turn.

If not, you could need to have a new one made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

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

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car remote key repair shop near me that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when 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 be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of 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 work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover keyless Entry repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle 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 fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.