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

We've all had this experience the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning to home from work.

Rather than panic 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 - find out here, issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you may need to get a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key repair near me 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 graphite as a spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it off using your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car key repair company. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector, and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost mobile key repair near me fob following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, emergency car key repair theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade type or key fob or has a large grey or black head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.