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

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

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple but be cautious. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll require a stable workspace, and a pair of pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on the floor or in a vice. Then, you can put it inside the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key works.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for a more precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your key.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is likely that the key will need to be programmed to work with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you need help with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every vehicle key.

Selector for gears

It is essential to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also indicate larger issues with the transmission system that could be costly to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the bushings of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in very 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 find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the ideal parts to restore your gear selector device. They also provide various other services, including transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years and as they age they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your remote car key repair battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be caused by a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working correctly can resolve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small device that connects to your vehicle's computer 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 extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the instructions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

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

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 precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a thick grey/black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.