Check Out: How Automotive Key Repair Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It

Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will function.

Keep a spare key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining 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 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can be easy or difficult depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious issues, which can be costly to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more easily. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay healthy and supple.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and should not 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 can assist you in finding the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then 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 covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to fail. If your car is having problems getting started in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system.  remote key fob repair  should verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your car when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed which requires the help of technicians. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

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

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is a blade style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.