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 engage the ignition. It could occur at the worst time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could need to get a new one made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil 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. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

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 metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

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

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

Gear Selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue could also indicate more serious issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most frequent reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part 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 repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying repair car remote control key the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has an edge, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.