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

We've all had this experience when the car's key doesn't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the most inconvenient moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk full of groceries or heading home from work.

There are many solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common mobile key fob repair issues with cars and solutions:

Broken or bent keys

A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may sound simple however it is crucial to do it with care. The key is very thin and even bending it small enough could cause it to break.

To accomplish this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Take the key at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight. It is best to do this on a flat surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to test whether it turns.

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

Keep an extra key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.

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

Stuck pins or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring may get stuck. A pin is 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 components of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.

If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with an electronic key with a microchip in it, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed to work with your car. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model.

Call us if you need assistance with your automotive locks or keys! We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear Selector

If your car remote key fob repair's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. It could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems that are expensive to fix.

Most of the time the issue is fixable. The most common reason the gear selector can get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped or disconnected from the lever itself. The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes.

In some cases the bushing of the gear selector might be damaged or worn. These are rubber covers that are placed around the joints within the gear system to help it shift more easily. These covers work similarly to cartilage joints, so they need to be healthy and flexible.

You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things. First, you should avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, like those from First Line.

These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto key repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to locate the right parts to restore the gear selector mechanism. They can also offer various other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

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

A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle and cause the radio or keys the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having problems starting in cold weather, this is a good sign that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.

Sometimes your problem might not be a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are functioning properly can solve this problem.

Key fobs that are not working properly is another common automotive key keyless entry repair. The key fob is a small unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands 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.

Follow the directions in the owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on your vehicle you may have to open and close the doors, turn lights and other electronic devices on and off, press a certain sequence of buttons, or even close and open the windows. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, which will require the services of a technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys include a transponder chip built into them. It transmits an electronic signal to a receiver within the ignition when they are inserted. The signal is sent to an immobilizer to determine if the key is correct to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became an issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system for safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your keys could be through a dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you go. This number is usually found 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 accurately duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick grey or black head it must be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.