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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent key





The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and could break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You will not need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most 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 get stuck. Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their life. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If remote car key repair near me find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore the gear selection system. They also provide various other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

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

It's possible that your problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key 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. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits an indication. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.