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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

broken key repair or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

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

If you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector device. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair car key is the key fob that has stopped 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 may be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys repair near me could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has blade, 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.