Why No One Cares 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 could happen at the worst possible moment, for instance, when you're filling your trunk with groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions that can get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and solutions for them:

Broken or bent keys

The most common reason why a car owner cannot start their car is a bent key. This can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple but it's important to do this carefully. The key is very thin and can break if bent even a little.

You'll need a sturdy work surface and a pair pliers to do this. Grab the key at the other end using the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to test whether it turns.

If not, you could require a new one made. This will avoid needing to call a locksmith, and can ensure that your key will work.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move 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 that came with it to ensure more precise application. This will also help to prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect two components of an equipment. In most cases, you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there's a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We can repair, replace or programme almost any vehicle 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 you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Luckily, most times, this issue can be easily fixed. The most frequent reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. Click At this website is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually make it within a few minutes.


In certain instances, the bushings on the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it move more smoothly. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, which is why they require to be flexible and healthy.

It's not unusual for them to wear out in time, but there are some things you can do to extend their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the ideal parts to repair the gear selector mechanism. They can also provide you with various other services, such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the key in the ignition and you hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. This is because the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to become coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which can cause the radio to stop working or electric window becoming unresponsive. If your car has been having issues starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time for an upgrade to your battery.

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

A key fob that's not working properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is connected to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob following the directions in the owner's manual. Based on the model it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your device, it could need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of technicians. However, it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include an embedded transponder chip in them that sends an electronic signal 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, car theft became an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system 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 car before you go. You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb or in the owner's guide.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A representative will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it will have to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.