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 engage the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key repairs near me is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or Automotive Key Repair a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, Automotive Key Repair you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible 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 issue is also a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. The cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but 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 die early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.

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

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.