Five Laws That Will Aid The Automotive Key Repair Industry Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there the car keys won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you are loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are a variety of solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most frequent reason the owner of a car is unable to begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.


You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it in the lock to see if it turns.

If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith and will ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a damaged key.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder and also prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing included with it for more precise application. This will also help stop moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

A pin (also called a roll pin, or a spring) may become 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 cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it off using your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses keys with microchips inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process can vary depending on the car and manufacturer.

If you require assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace, or program virtually any car key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is having bigger problems that are expensive to repair.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can repair this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you find the perfect parts to restore your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer many other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause 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.

It is possible that your issue is not caused by an issue with your battery, but rather an issue with the charging system. This problem can be resolved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables all work correctly.

Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can get confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Based on the vehicle you have it may be necessary to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming that will require the assistance of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the correct one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number can be found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's manual.

Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely replicate the original key. car keys repair will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.