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

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

There are many different solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back 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 whether it turns.

If not, you could require a new one created. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Spring pins and springs with pins

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

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

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they must be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to extend their lifespan. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high get more info quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide many other services more info like transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

A key fob that is not working more info properly is another common problem for 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. This system can get broken key repair near me confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix the issue, your device may require professional programming, which will require the services of technicians. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when it is inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has read more a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.