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

We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions to bring you back on the way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason a remote car key repair owner can't start their vehicle. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Take one end of the key with 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 could be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way 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 move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys, it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or key complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can when 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 could also indicate larger issues with the transmission itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue is easily fixable. The cable that is connected to the lever could snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. This is because the negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car key remote repair near me has been having problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it is time for a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repair keys are equipped with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.