Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all experienced this when the car's key doesn't turn in the ignition It can occur at the most inconvenient time, such as when you are loading your car with groceries or returning home from work Rather than panic There are many solutions to get back on the road Here are a few common automotive key problems and solutions Broken or bent key A bent key is the most frequent reason why a car owner is unable to start their car This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key It may appear simple however, you need to be careful The key is very thin and even bending it one degree can cause it to break You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to accomplish this Grab https//pastelinknet/k2s1dqno at one end with the pliers, then bend it until it is straight This is best done on a flat surface, or in a vise Then, you can place it in the lock to test if it will turn If not, you may need to get a new one created This will avoid having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work It's a good idea to keep a spare key in your pocket, so you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a damaged key If you're experiencing problems with a bent or broken key, you can try applying oil on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck You can apply graphite or spray lubricant If you are using a spray, ensure that you attach the plastic tubing included with it for an easier application This will also prevent moisture from damaging your device Stuck pins or springs Sometimes, a pin also known as a roll pin or spring could get stuck Pins are a small piece of metal that measures between 51 and 76 cm 25-30 in long with hollow ends It is used to connect two parts of a machine In the majority of cases, you can remove pins by simply pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench If you own an older car that is equipped with a microchip key it is likely that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's manufacturer and model Contact us if you require assistance with your automotive locks or keys We can repair or replace every key 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 This is a safety concern and could result in serious vehicle damage if continue driving This issue could also indicate more serious issues with the transmission itself, which could be costly to repair Luckily, most times, this issue is easily fixable Most often, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes In some instances the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out These are rubber covers that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it shift more smoothly These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, which is why they require to be healthy and flexible You can extend their life by doing a few basic things It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking You should also replace the bushings using premium quality ones, such as the ones from First Line These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs They can assist you in finding the right parts to restore your gear selection device They can also offer a range of other services, such as maintenance and service for your transmission Dead battery If you switch the ignition on but hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die prematurely This is due to the negative plates in the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals A dead battery can cause your car to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window not working properly If your car has been experiencing problems starting in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get a new battery Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables all work correctly A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common automotive key repair The key fob is a tiny unit that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems The system could become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed to harsh temperatures or gets wet It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning off lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons If this doesn't solve your fob it may need to professionally programmed which will require the services of an expert However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new device Ignition socket Modern car keys come with a transponder, which when inserted into ignition, sends out an indication The signal informs an immobilizer if the key is correct for the car to start In the 1990s, car theft was a major issue The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system due to safety 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 Before you go, write down the VIN number of your vehicle vehicle identification number This number can be found on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in an owner's guide Bring your current key with you to a participating AutoZone store and a representative will use an instrument to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key The new key will be cut on the spot with a precise cutting machine If your key is equipped with blade, fob or a large grey or black head it will need to be programmed to your car before you can use it to start the motor