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

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys


The most frequent reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

To do this, you will need an area that is stable, as well as pliers. Pick up 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 changes.

If not, you might require a new key made. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will function.

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

If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some oil to it. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help prevent water from destroying your device.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long and has hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as possible if 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. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold weather. The cables that control the gears can freeze and break. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. remote car key repairs can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had trouble starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign you need a new battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that isn't working properly. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming, which requires the help of technicians. It's worth trying these simple techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them that sends signals to a receiver in the ignition when inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key has an edge, a fob or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can use it to start the motor.