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 worst time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

broken key repair near me or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine if it will turn.

If not, you may need to get a new one made. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are 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 machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has an electronic mobile key fob repair with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key fob repairs near me to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair keys near me shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can result in the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before deciding to pay for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found 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 use a machine that 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 on site. If your key is blade type, a key fob, or has a hefty black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.