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

We've all been there: your emergency car key repair - other, keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is extremely thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area with a solid foundation, as well as pliers. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't have a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key repair key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or emergency car key Repair complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and supple.

It is not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged, 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 the gear selection system. They also provide many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is experiencing problems beginning in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure 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 number is usually found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.