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Automotive Key Repair – What to Do When Your Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition

We’ve all had this experience – the car key won’t turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you’re loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may require a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you’re not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, Automotive Key Repair ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small 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 a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car’s gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it’s important to keep them healthy and supple.

It’s not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector device. They can also provide many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through an natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it’s time for a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic’s check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn’t working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle’s computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner’s guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn’t fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by an expert technician. But it’s still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car key repairs keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner’s manual.

Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.