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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it in the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying oil to it. This will enable it move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys, it is possible that the key repair shop needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and remote car key repair near me model.

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

Gear Selector

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 issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. 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 an important part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer a variety of other services, remote car key repair near me including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. The negative plates of your remote car key repairs Car Key Repair Near Me (Blip.Fm) battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. But it's still worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.