Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition We've all been there - your car keys won't engage the ignition It happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries or when you're returning to home from work There are many solutions that will help you get back on your way Here are some of the most common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions Broken or bent keys The most common reason a car owner cannot start their vehicle is a bent key Straightening the key is an easy fix This might seem easy however, you need to be cautious The key is extremely thin and bending it just a little can cause it to break You will need a stable work surface and a pair pliers for this Take one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise After that, you can place it inside the lock to determine whether it will turn If not, it could be time to get a new key cut https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-key-repairs-near-me/ will avoid having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works It's a good idea to keep a spare in your pocket so that you don't have access to your vehicle in the event of a broken key If you have trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying grease to it This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from getting stuck It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray for a more precise application This will also help to stop moisture from ruining your key Spring pins and springs that are stuck Sometimes a pin also known as a roll pin or spring may become stuck Pins are a small piece of metal that is between 51 and 76 cm 25-30 in long with hollow ends It is used to connect two components of a machine In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench If you own 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 process can vary depending on the manufacturer and car Call us if you need assistance with your car keys or locks We can repair, replace, or program almost any vehicle key Gear Selector It's crucial to take your car to a mechanic as fast as you can if the gear selector is stuck in park It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it This could also be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger issues, which can be costly to repair Most of the time, this problem is easily fixable The most common reason the gear selector can be stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself The mechanic can fix this issue in a matter of minutes In some instances the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out These are rubber coverings that cover joints within the gear system to aid in making it move more smoothly They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure that they stay healthy and supple You can prolong their lifespan by doing a few easy things First, you should avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold temperatures This is because the gear control cables are prone to freezing and cracking You should also replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like those from First Line These bushings form an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked If you notice that yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs They will help you find the right parts to restore your gear selection apparatus They can also offer various other services like transmission maintenance and service Dead battery If you turn your key into the ignition and you hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead As batteries age, they go through natural processes that cause them to die early This is due to the negative plates in the battery of your car will begin to become coated by crystals of sulfate A dead battery can also cause the loss of the electrical power in your vehicle, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working If you have been having difficulties starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you require an upgrade to your battery Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a problem with the charging system of your vehicle This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic check that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working correctly Another type of key repair for automotive vehicles is a key fob that has stopped functioning properly The key fob is a tiny device that connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures Follow the steps in the owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on and press a particular sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by a special technician However, it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to pay for a new one Ignition socket Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out an indication This signal informs the immobilizer inside the car if the key is the right one to be used for starting In the 1990s, theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security device in their vehicles for safety and insurance reasons If you have a newer car, the only way to replace your key may be at the 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 manual Bring your current key to an participating AutoZone store and a representative will utilize machines to trace the contours of your blank key to precisely replicate the original key They will then cut the new key with a precise cutting machine onsite If the key you have is a blade style, a key fob, or has a thick grey or black head, it will require programming to your specific vehicle before it can be used to start the engine