30 Inspirational Quotes About Automotive Key Repair Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all experienced this - the car key won't engage in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or on your way home from work.

There are many solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some common automotive key repair problems and their possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. This may seem simple however, you need to be careful. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.


You'll need a solid work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Take car key fob repairs of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test if it will turn.

If not, you could need to get a new one created. This will save you from needing to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.

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

If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you're 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.

Stuck pins and springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or spring) may get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

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

Gear Selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.

Luckily, most of the time this problem can be easily fixed. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix and a mechanic will usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushing of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They function in a similar way as cartilage in your knees so it's crucial to keep them healthy and flexible.

It is not uncommon for them to wear out over time, however there are a few ways to prolong their life. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze 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 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. These experts can help find the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will start to become coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery may also cause your vehicle to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having 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 caused by an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are all working properly could solve this problem.

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

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning the lights and other electronics on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might require professional programming and will require an expert. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip embedded in them that transmits an electronic signal to a receiver inside the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if it is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became an issue that the majority of manufacturers put this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a brand new vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your current key with you to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on-site using a precision cutting machine. If the key you have is a blade style, 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.