10 Meetups On Automotive Key Repair You Should Attend 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 in the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you're loading your car with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues with cars and their solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple but be careful. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even slightly.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. 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. Then, you can put it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.

If not, it might be time to get a new key cut. This will avoid needing to contact a locksmith and can ensure that your key will work.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you're not left without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some grease on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. If you are using a spray, be sure to attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own an older vehicle that has microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's important to get your car to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair.

Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually fix it in a couple of minutes.

In some instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they remain healthy and flexible.

car key repair shop near me is not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is also recommended to replace your bushings, like ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide many other services, such as transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystalline deposits.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within 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 working properly.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to your computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits signals to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car if the key is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.


If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will utilize an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade-style, a key fob, or has a large black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.