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 in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.

To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair keys near me this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing 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 function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car key fob repair near me and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car key repair company whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has blade, fob or a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.