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 turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

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

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

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious damage to your vehicle key repairs if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto key fob repair repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also provide many other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car key lock repair near me battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob key repair is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals 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 gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the 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 to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.