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, for instance, when you're filling your car with groceries or heading home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options 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 an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, you might require a new one created. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures 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 machines. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This problem is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can 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 certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they require to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your remote car key repairs in cold weather, it could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repair service keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car key repair before you can start the motor.