20 Fun Details About Automotive Key Repair Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all been there when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It could occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

Instead of panicking There are many solutions to get you back on the road. Here are some common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most frequent reason why car owners are unable to start their car. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it with care. The key is thin and may break if you bend it even slightly.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then place it in the lock to see if it changes.

If not, you might need to have a new one created. This will save you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will function.

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

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it move through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. Spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins or springs

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

If you own a newer car that has a key with a microchip in it, there's an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your car. key fob repair service near me can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer.

Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We can repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. It could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. Most often, the cable end that is connected to the lever may snap or become disconnected. This is a straightforward fix and the mechanic can usually make it in a couple of minutes.

In some cases the bushings on the gear selector may be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers work similarly to the cartilage that you have in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.


You can extend their life by doing a few simple things. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an important element of your gear selector, and should not be ignored. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help you locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you turn your key into the ignition and hear nothing except a click, your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If you've had difficulties starting your car in cold weather, this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes, your issue might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. This problem can be resolved by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning correctly.

Key fobs that are not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your car, and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or cease communicating with your car when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet.

It is usually possible to reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Based on the vehicle you have, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices on and off and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If mobile key repair doesn't fix your fob, it may require professional programming by a special technician. It's worth attempting these steps before deciding to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends signals to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place for the car to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security device in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, the door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to an participating AutoZone store, and an associate will employ an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has blade, fob or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.