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 can occur at the most inconvenient moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or g28carkeys.co.uk bent key

The most common reason why an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily fixed by simply straightening the key. This may seem simple but be cautious. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even slightly.

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

If not, you may require a new key made. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not left without access to your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you're having difficulty inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying grease to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) can get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of a machine. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.

Call us if you need assistance with your car locks or keys! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear Selector

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

Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. The mechanic can fix 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 articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they stay in good shape and soft.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, however there are some ways to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the correct parts to repair your gear selection device. They also offer a variety of other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed harsh temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix the issue, your device may require professional programming which will require the services of an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys repair come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one to be used for starting. 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 way to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. This number is usually found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.