Automotive Key Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters 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 engage the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

There are many different solutions that can help you get back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key problems and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin and can break if bent even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers for this. Take the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can put it in the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, it may be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key works.


It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring could 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 with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your car. This procedure can differ based on the model of car and the manufacturer.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also indicate bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. repair car key can get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing can get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more fluidly. These covers work similarly to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they must be healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are some ways to extend their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential component of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you notice yours is worn out it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the right parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide a range of other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early. This is because the negative plates in your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or electric windows to fail. If your car is experiencing problems getting started in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, the issue may not be a dead battery, but rather a problem with the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or cease communicating if it gets submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset the lost key fob following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. Try these easy methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver inside the ignition when inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car before you go. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot by a cutting machine that is precise. If your key is a blade-style or a key fob or has a large grey or black head, it'll have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.