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

We've all been there - your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair car key fob problems and solutions for them:

Broken Key Repair Near Me or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

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

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Pins that are snuck or springs

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

If you own a brand new car key fob repairs near me that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

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

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.