"The Automotive Key Repair Awards: The Most Sexiest, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen 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 happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or on your way to home from work.

Instead of panicking, there are several different options to get you back on the road. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and solutions for them:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple, but you must be cautious. The key is thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Take one end of the key 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 place it in the lock to see whether it turns.

If not, it might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will function.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if it breaks.

If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying some grease to it. This will help it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to ensure an even more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

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

If you own a brand new vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips in it, there's an opportunity that the key has to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us a call! car key fob repairs can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.

Selector for gears

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a security issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be fixed easily. The most common reason that the gear selector can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or disconnected from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around articulation points in the gear system, allowing it move more fluidly. These covers function similar 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 basic things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in very cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are a critical component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device. They also offer various other services such as transmission maintenance and service.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose electrical power, which could result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, it could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.


You can usually reset the lost key fob by following the steps in your owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this does not fix the issue, your device may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. Try these easy techniques before purchasing an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers fitted this transponder security system into their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer 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 leave. It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.