7 Simple Tricks To Rocking Your Automotive Key Repair 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 filling your trunk full of groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. It can be repaired by simply straightening the key. It may appear simple, but you must be careful. The key is extremely thin and bending it just small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Take the key at one end with the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to see if it will turn.

If not, you might need to have a new one created. You will not need to call a locksmith and your key will still work.

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

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also prevent water from destroying your device.

Pins that are snuck or springs

A pin (also known as a roll pin or a spring) may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 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 pieces of an equipment. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If you own a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear selector


If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, you need to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety concern 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 expensive to fix.

Fortunately, the majority times, this issue can be fixed easily. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or separated from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector could be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They work in a similar manner as cartilage in your knees therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and supple.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, like those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to fix the gear selector mechanism. They also provide various other services, including maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery could cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

It's possible that the issue is not due to an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. 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 doesn't work for your fob, it may require professional programming, which will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, transmits an indication. The signal informs an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to a participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of your blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If car key repairs near me is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.