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 the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could require a new one created. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.

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

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 to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

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

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle 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 continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

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

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair key shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Your mechanic should ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car keys repair if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the remote key repair is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the 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 in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or key fob key repair or has a large black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.