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 in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way home from work.

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

broken key repair or bent keys

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own a newer car keys repair near me that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car 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, you need to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are a few ways to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto key repair near me shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then 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 begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another common Automotive key repair, ai-db.science, is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the model it could 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 work for your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style, a key fob key repair near me, or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.