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

We've all been there: your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues with cars and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy but it's important to do this carefully. 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 for this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you might need to get a new key made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.

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

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your remote car Key repairs. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate larger issues in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that are placed around the articulation points in the gear system to help it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear remote control car key repairs cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need a new battery.

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

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car key fob repairs when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style or key fob or has a thick black or grey head, it will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.