Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition

We’ve all been there – the car key won’t engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re filling up your car with groceries or when you’re returning home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

It’s a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don’t have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you have an older emergency car key repair that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It’s a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it’s crucial that they stay healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto key repair repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide you with many other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it’s time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner’s guide. Depending on the vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. It’s worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard’s front or door jamb in the owner’s manual.

Bring your current key car repair with you to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your remote key fob repair near me blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.