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 occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if you bend it 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 until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might require a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken key repair near me lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Selector for gears

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also provide a variety of other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.