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 on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, Automotive Key Repair you can put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

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

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

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car 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. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. The mechanic can repair keys near me this in a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window malfunctioning. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

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

Another common automotive key repair 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 be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.