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 engage in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are a variety of solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock and key repair near me to see if it changes.

If not, you may need to have a new one made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant how to repair car key fob it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using 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 procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that 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 issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them in good shape and soft.

You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide many other services like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and you hear nothing except a click, 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 remote car key repair battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car is having issues getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time for a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of an expert. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new remote key repair near me will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob or a thick head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.