20 Truths About Automotive Key Repair: Busted 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 engage the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you are loading your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. It can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it a little can cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you'll need a stable workspace, and an plier. Take the key on one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. Then, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you might require a new one made. You will not have to contact a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it is damaged.

If you are experiencing issues with a broken or bent key, try putting some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins and springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel 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 you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks give us a call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a safety issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of more serious issues with the transmission system that could be expensive to fix.

Most times this issue is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the points of articulation of the gear system to ensure that it is fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, and therefore must be flexible and healthy.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few simple things. You should avoid the gear selection in very cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is damaged you must visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They also offer various other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle, causing the radio or electric windows to fail. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly.

A key fob that is not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on car remote key repair near me of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even shut and open the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might require professional programming, which will require an expert. However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver in the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right for the car to begin. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for security and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your keys is at the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the dashboard, the door jamb, or in an owner's guide.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine. If your key is blade style or key fob or has a thick grey or black head, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.