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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are a few of the most common car key repair issues and possible solutions:





Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it turns.

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

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of machines. In most instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, such as those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. view site… can help you find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer many other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

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

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

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working correctly can resolve this problem.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that 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 with your vehicle if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out the signal. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security 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 car prior to you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.