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

We've all experienced this the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common car key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.

To do this, you'll require a stable workspace, and an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. After that, you can place it in the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, you could need to have a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. 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 car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us for assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get 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 remote key fob repair be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also offer a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

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

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.