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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your car with groceries or when you're returning to 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 possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might require a new one made. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will work.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

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

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, more infocar keying repair turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the more info ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major here problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will check here be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.