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

There are a variety of solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

broken key repair near me or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier 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 an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you own a newer car that uses keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to help it move more easily. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services like maintenance and Car Key Repair repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need a new battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, Car Key Repair turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob key repair near me.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.