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 turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take the key on one end 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 changes.

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

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you have an older car key remote repair that uses a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your remote car key repairs. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they need to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

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

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.

Another common automotive key fob repair repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key repairs has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.