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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning to home from work.

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

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Take one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, you could require a new one created. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Make  key repair car  of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own an older vehicle that has a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

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. It's a safety issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission that could be expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They also offer a variety of 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. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to stop working. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require 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 verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit, write 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 working key along to an AutoZone store, and an associate will employ machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.