It's The Automotive Key Repair Case Study You'll Never Forget Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there: your car key refuses to turn on the ignition. It can happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic, there are several different solutions to get back on the road. Here are a few of the most common automotive key repair problems and possible solutions:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their vehicle is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply straightening the key. This might seem easy, but you must be cautious. The key is extremely thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair of pliers for this. Hold the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.

If not, repair broken car key might be time to have a new key cut. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will work.

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours is damaged.


If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, you can try applying lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging 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 piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two components of machines. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed in order to work with your car. This can be a simple or difficult depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or program almost 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 security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This issue is also a sign of more serious issues in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector may be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and a mechanic should be able to complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints 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 that they remain healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few basic things. It is best to avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an important component of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is worn out you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide a range of 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 other than a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die prematurely. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the power source in your car and cause the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having problems beginning in cold weather, this is an indication that it's time to get a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not 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 all work properly.

Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your car and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can become confused or stop communicating if it gets wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the directions in the owner's manual to reset the keyfob that was lost. Based on the vehicle you have you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your device, it could require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, transmits a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system due to security and insurance reasons.

If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If the key you have is a blade-style or a key fob or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll require programming to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.