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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 - your car keys won't turn in the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common car key repair issues and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers to do this. Hold the key at the other end using 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 put it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it could be time to have a new key cut. You will not need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 an equipment. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also indicate bigger problems with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore require to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates of your car keys repairs battery will start to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

It is possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was 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 keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade style, a key fob, or has a large grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.