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

We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

There are remote car key repair near me that can help you get back on your way. Here are some common key issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is thin and could break if bent even slightly.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you may need to have a new key made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.

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

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

If you need help with your automotive keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, so it's important that they remain healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, like the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also provide many other services like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this problem.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of an expert. It's worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.


Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your existing 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 precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.