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

We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new key made. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your mobile key fob repair will function.

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a small 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 machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit 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 an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.