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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car key remote repair near me to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

It is possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.