Don't Make This Silly Mistake With 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: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues with cars and their 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 might sound easy however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is very thin, and bending it even small enough could cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you could require a new one made. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

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

If you're having issues with a bent or broken key, try putting some lubrication on it before trying to insert it into the lock. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray graphite or lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to ensure the most precise application. This will also stop water from destroying your important.

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a tiny 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts of an equipment. In the majority of instances, it is possible to remove pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench.

If key fob repair own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function with your car. This process can be simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear Selector

It's important to get your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system itself, which can be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can fix this in a few minutes.

In some instances, the bushing of the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few simple things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are a critical element of your gear selector and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with various other services, like maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you have been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, this could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might 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's not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle, and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or stop communicating if it is submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's guide. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't fix your fob, it could require professional programming, which will require a special technician. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to begin. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system for security and insurance reasons.

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


Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use a machine to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If the key you are using has a blade, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor.