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 in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling up your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key fob repair near me repair [Read Full Report] problems and their possible solutions:

broken key repair or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. There is no have to contact a locksmith and your key will still work.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't find yourself without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin, or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of a machine. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a security issue and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to fix.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover keyless entry repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and you hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle and cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

Another common automotive key repair is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the model it could involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming and will require an expert technician. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car key fob repair near me keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.