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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

There are many solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it 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 determine whether it will turn.

If not, you may need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal 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 a machine. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay healthy and supple.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that remote control car key repairs the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also provide many other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.