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

We've all been there: your car auto key repair refuses to turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might 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 to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible 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 problem is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing could become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto key fob repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car key repair service battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive 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 type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.