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

We've all been there - the car key won't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Grab the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might need to get a new one created. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will function.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and will prevent it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) can sometimes become stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new car that uses a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to bring it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be fixed easily. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this in a few minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, however there are some things you can car key remote repairs do to extend their life. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, for instance the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential element of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection device. They also provide many other services such as maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. Most batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they undergo a natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your car to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly.

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

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the steps in the owner's guide. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it could need to be professionally programmed and will require an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a brand newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will employ a machine which 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 the key you are using has a blade, a fob, or a thick grey/black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.