Automotive key repairs near me 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, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, you might need to have a new key made. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still function.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

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

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your Car Key And Repair keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. 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 cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing may be 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 rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few ways to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto key repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within 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 all functioning correctly.

A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.