Twenty Myths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted

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 occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries or returning to home from work.

Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of solutions to get back on the road. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is very thin, and bending it even a little can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need an area with a solid foundation, as well as an plier. Grab the key at the other end using 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 in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket, so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Fortunately, the majority of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is connected to the lever can 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 of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points within the gear system to aid in making it move more fluidly. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the correct parts to repair your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services, like transmission service and maintenance.

nearby key repair shop

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals.

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

Sometimes, your issue might not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

A key fob that's not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed, which will require a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

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

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key may be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your existing working 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 accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.