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 can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair (Get More Information) problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do this carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended 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 might be time to get a new key cut. This will save you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key works.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken car key repair near me or bent key, try applying some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it 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 stop water from destroying your important.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become 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 pieces of a machine. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you own a brand new car that has an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle key repairs.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most common reason that the gear selector may get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more smoothly. They perform the same function to 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. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything except a click, your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they get older, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates in your car key repair company battery will start to become coated by sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work properly.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you have is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head, it will need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.