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

We've all been there - the car keys repair near me key won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Hold 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 in the lock to determine whether it turns.

If not, you might need to get a new one made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own an older car that uses a microchip key, it is possible that the mobile key repair will need to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem can also be a sign of larger issues in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it within a few minutes.

In certain instances, however, the gear selector automotive key repair bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's important to keep them healthy and supple.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services, such as 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 an natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you require a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is connected 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 cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, Automotive Key Repair or even shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a representative 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-site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with 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.