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 happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. 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 don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.

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

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will help it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car key and repair locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

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

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed by an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine 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 fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand 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 prior to you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.