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 turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without access to your vehicle if yours 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 move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may 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 two components of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible 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. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they must be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, automotive key repair and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of a technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your 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 equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.