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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are some common car key repair [additional reading] issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may need to get a new one created. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock and key repair near me. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle 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 harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, switch 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 your fob, it may require professional programming by an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car key fob repairs near me before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade style or key fob key repair or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.