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 engage in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car remote Key repair shop Near me owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

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

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken key repair near me or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys repair near me or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, car remote key repair shop near me like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you need a new battery.

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

A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require 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 by an expert technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.