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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and may break if bent even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could require a new key made. This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your device.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In electronic car key repair , you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually make it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

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





A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions 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 on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which will require the services of a technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use 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 using a precision cutting machine. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.