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 in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and remote Key Fob repair a pair of pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

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

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

If you have trouble inserting a broken car key repair or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses an electronic remote key fob repair with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and remote key Fob repair repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key repair near me fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits signals to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found 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 an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key has an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.