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

We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it how to repair broken car key break.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more 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 a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair car key fob or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts 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 of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your mobile car key repair near me and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in your owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert. Try these easy methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have 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. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.