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 happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions that will bring you back on the way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening key car repair is an easy fix. It may appear simple but be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, then 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 could need to get a new key made. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to 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 use 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 keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most instances, it is possible to remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

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

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. Try these easy methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of 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 manual.


Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key has a blade, a fob or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.