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

We've all been there when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your car keys repairs with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair [Masskorea blog article] problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their vehicle. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can put it in the lock to see whether it turns.

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

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

If you have trouble inserting a broken car key repair near me or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move easier through the cylinder and stop it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise 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 could become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends used to connect two parts of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car keys repairs near me.

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

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue can also be a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that cover articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers function similar to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus. They can also offer various other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates of the battery in your car key fob repairs near me begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign you require a new battery.

It is possible that your issue is not caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming and will require an expert technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or car Key repair door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.