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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: the car key won't engage the ignition. It could happen at the worst possible moment, for automotive key repair instance, when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common key issues with cars and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to get a new one created. You don't need to call a locksmith and your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that uses keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us if you require assistance with your car keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program nearly any key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It is essential to take your car keys repair near me to a mechanic as soon as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

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

In some instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, which is why they need to be flexible and healthy.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer various other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, it is an indication that it is time for a new battery.

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

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. 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 became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key could be through a dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you leave. This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

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