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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key works.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which can be costly to repair.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is that 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 bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated repair car key fob with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

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

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note 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 the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.