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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason why the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

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

If not, you could need to get a new one created. This will save you from having to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the articulation points within the gear system to help it move more fluidly. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can do to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance 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 notice yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair car keys near me of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition 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. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the power source in your car and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door key repair near me jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank 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 or has a thick black or grey head, it will have to be programmed to your specific car key fob repair before it can be used to start the engine.