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 engage in the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will help you get back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle in the event that your key repair shop is damaged.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and mobile car key repair near me has hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your mobile car key repair near me. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We can repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them in good shape and soft.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to go to an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the correct parts to repair the gear selection system. They can also provide various other services, such as transmission service and mobile car key repair near me maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key repair shops near me. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob or a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.