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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key fob repairs near me. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, you could require a new one created. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, local you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and supple.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer a variety of other services, local including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn on your remote key repair in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps 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, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

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