Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car 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 happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, you could require a new one created. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or come check here uncoupled. This is a simple fix, and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In some cases the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with a range of other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition key 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 a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work properly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key more info fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert. It's worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition read more socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when get more info they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct for the click here car to begin. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate 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 grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.