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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent remote key repair near me is the most frequent reason why a car key and repair owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, you could require a new one created. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

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

If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They can also provide many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another type of key repair car key remote for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether it is the right one to be used for car key and repair starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at 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 dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current working key with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.