User description

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 in the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your car with groceries or on your way to home from work.

There are many different solutions that will get you back on your way. Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most frequent reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as an plier. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn.


If not, it may be time to get a new key cut. There is no need to call a lock-smith and your key will still work.

Keep an extra key in your purse so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.

If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it to move easier through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck. Spray graphite or lubricant. If you're using a spray ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also help prevent moisture from ruining your key.

Spring pins and springs with pins

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. Pins are a small piece of steel that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases, you can remove pins by pulling it out with your fingers or a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with 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 can be a simple or complex depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Contact us for assistance with your automotive keys or locks! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every vehicle key.

Gear Selector

It is essential to take your vehicle to a mechanic as quickly as possible if the gear selector is stuck in park. This is a security issue and you could cause serious vehicle damage if continue driving. This could also be a sign that your transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or become uncoupled from the lever itself. The mechanic can repair this within a couple of minutes.

In some cases there are instances where the gear selector bushing can become damaged or worn out. The rubber covers are put around the articulation points of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's important that they stay in good shape and soft.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to prolong their life. You should first avoid using the gear selection in very cold temperatures. The gear control cables can freeze and break. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also offer a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition key but hear nothing 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 start to be covered with sulfate crystal deposits.

A dead battery could cause you to lose electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or electric windows to stop working. If your car has been having problems starting in cold weather, it is a good sign that it's time to get a new battery.

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

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays commands and signals between the engine and accessory systems. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or is wet.

It is possible to reset a lost key fob by following the directions in the owner's guide. Depending on the vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance purposes.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way 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. car key fob repairs is located on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. 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 have to be programmed to your specific car before it can be used to start the engine.