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

We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and may break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

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

Keep an extra key car repair in your pocket to ensure you're not left without access to your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, 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

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of steel 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 machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission that could be costly to repair.

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

In some cases the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and supple.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice 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 in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will 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 might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.