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

We've all had this experience - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and pliers. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, remote car key repairs then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key fob repairs will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip inside, 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 manufacturer and model.

Contact us for assistance with your car locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason that 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 in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points in the gear system, allowing it shift more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they remain healthy and supple.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. You should avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in 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 go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car key and repair, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition key repair near me when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your 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 precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.