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

We've all had this experience the car keys repair near me won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it into the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a small 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 pieces of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic right away. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain healthy and supple.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

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

A key fob that's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The mobile key repair near me fob is a small device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve 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 fix your fob, it could require professional programming by a special technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key repairs. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.