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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Take one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, G28 car Keys or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having issues with a broken or g28 Car keys 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 also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their lifespan. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large grey/black head it must be programmed to your G28 Car Keys before you can start the motor.