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

We've all been there the car keys won't turn in the ignition. It happens at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading your trunk with groceries or when you're returning 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 their solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. Straightening the key is a simple fix. It may sound simple but it's important to do it carefully. The key is very thin and may break if bent even a little.

To do this, you will need a stable workspace, and pliers. Pick up one end of the key using the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on an even surface or in a vice. Then, you can place it in the lock to see whether it turns.

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

It's a good idea keep a spare in your pocket, so you don't end up without a way into your vehicle in the event of a lost key.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and stop it from getting stuck. You can apply graphite or spray lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure an easier application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key.

Spring pins and springs that are stuck

Sometimes a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring can get stuck. Pins are small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two parts 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 own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed to function 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 are able to repair, replace or program almost any vehicle key.

Gear selector

If your car's gear selector gets stuck in park mode, you need to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could lead to serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This problem is also a sign of bigger problems in the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

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

In certain instances, however, the gear selector bushing can be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they require to be healthy and flexible.

It's not uncommon for them to wear out in time, but there are some ways to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely cold temperatures. The cables that control the gears can freeze and crack. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an essential part of your gear selector and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a good idea to visit an auto repair shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you to find the perfect parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They also provide many other services such as 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. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age they undergo natural processes that cause them to end up dying prematurely. This is because the negative plates of the battery of your car will begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.

A dead battery may cause you to lose the electrical power in your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If repair car key fob has been having problems beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.

It is possible that your problem is not a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. This issue can be solved by having a mechanic examine that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are all functioning properly.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common automotive key repair. The key fob is a small device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system may be confused or cease communicating if it gets wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in your owner's guide to reset a lost keyfob. Based on the model, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. It's worth trying these simple techniques before purchasing the new fob.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, transmits a signal. This signal informs the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the correct one to allow it to start. In the 1990s, theft of cars became such an issue that the majority of manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.

If you own a newer car, the only way to replace your key could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Before you visit note down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). You can find this number on the dashboard, in the door jamb, or in the owner's manual.

Bring your working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key to precisely duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with an edge, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed for your vehicle before you can start the motor.

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