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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple, but you must be careful. The key is thin and can break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Grab one end of the key using 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 in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you may need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key works.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

Contact us if you require assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also provide you with many other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car key repair service battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in 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 rather an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and 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 instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and g28Carkeys open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require a special technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when it is inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. 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 calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it will require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.