Automotive Key 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, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Grab the key at one end with 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 inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, you might require a new remote key fob repairs made. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This is also a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto key repair near me repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of an expert. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition key repair near me, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door key repair near me jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has blade, fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.