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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, you might need to have a new key made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging 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 piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your car keys repair keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to repair car key.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may 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 all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair car repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of 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 by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.