Automotive key repairs Repair - What to Do When Your car key fob repair Key Won't Turn in the Ignition

We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't engage in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're loading your car with groceries or when you're returning to home from work.

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

Broken or bent key

The most common reason the owner of a car is unable to start their car is a bent key. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a sturdy work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you could need to have a new key made. You don't have to contact a locksmith and your existing key will work.

It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket, so that you don't end up without access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you are experiencing issues with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it to move easier through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use graphite as a spray lubricant. Use the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.

Stuck pins and springs

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

If you have a newer car that has a key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This procedure can differ based on the manufacturer and car.

Call us if you need assistance with your vehicle keys or locks! We can repair, replace, or program nearly any key fob repair service for your vehicle.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's crucial to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.

Luckily, most of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever may snap or break off. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic should be able to make it within a few minutes.

In some instances the gear selector bushing may get damaged or worn out. These are rubber covers that go around articulation points within the gear system to help it shift more fluidly. These rubber covers function similarly to the cartilage in your joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to degrade over time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection during extremely cold weather. The gear control cables could freeze and crack. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you notice yours is worn out, you should visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide various other services, including transmission service and maintenance.

Dead battery

If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years and as they age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to end up dying prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to be covered with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose electrical power, which can result in the radio or electric window becoming unresponsive. If you've been having difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign you need an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Having your mechanic check to verify that the serpentine belt, alternator, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this issue.

Another common automotive key repair is an ignition key that has stopped functioning properly. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your computer in your vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or stop communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or is wet.

Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or shut and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may need to professionally programmed that will require the assistance of an expert. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits the signal. The signal informs an immobilizer whether the key is in the right place to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major problem. Most manufacturers installed this transponder system due to safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys is to go to the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Before you go make a note of the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). This can be found on the dashboard's front, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade type, a key fob, or has a thick black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine.