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

We've all been there when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key fob repair service is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back 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 changes.

If not, you might require a new one made. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key repair near me key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of machines. 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 own a newer car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key fob repairs needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple 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 key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system, allowing 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 basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade type or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.