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

We've all experienced this - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you're loading your car with groceries or returning home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of solutions to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take 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 test whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. You don't need to call a locksmith and your existing key will function.

Keep an extra key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your device.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the car's model and manufacturer.

If you need help with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to bring 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. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most times the issue is fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as those from First Line.

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They can also offer various other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on but hear only a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they go through a natural process that causes them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your issue is not due to an unresponsive battery but an issue with the charging system. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that isn't working properly. 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. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it is wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the instructions in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it may need to be professionally programmed and will require a special technician. However, it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

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

Bring your current key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your car before you can use it to start the motor.