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

We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

broken key repair or bent keys

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

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

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own 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 vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having trouble starting your mobile car key immobiliser repair key repair (a cool way to improve) 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 an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member 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 equipped with a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed to your remote car key repairs before you can start the motor.