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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your car with groceries or driving home from work.

There are many different solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a brand new car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if 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 your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or Automotive key repair worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due where to repair car key remote the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming and will require a special technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.