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

We've all been there: your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you may need to have a new one created. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when 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 system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover keyless entry repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition key repair near me and you 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 because the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door key repair near me jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.