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15 Terms Everybody Involved In Automotive Key Repair Industry Should Know
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 on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling up your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.

There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:

Broken or bent key

The most common reason an owner of a car cannot start their car is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. It may appear simple however, you need to be careful. The key is very thin and could break if you bend it even a little.

To accomplish this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key with the pliers, and then bend it back until it is straight. It is best to do this on an even surface or in a vice. You can then put it into the lock to see if it turns.

If not, you may require a new one made. This will save you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure that your key will function.

It's a good idea keep a spare key in your pocket so that you don't find yourself without an entry point into your vehicle in the event of a broken key.

If you're having issues with a broken or bent key, try applying some oil on it prior to inserting it into the lock. This will help it move more easily through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a 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.

Pins that are snuck or springs

Sometimes, a pin (also called a roll pin) or spring could get stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends, which are used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases, you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.

If you have a newer car that uses a key with a microchip inside, there is a chance the key needs to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process is different based on the manufacturer and car.

If you need assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.

Selector for gears

If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety concern and could result in serious damage to your vehicle if you continue driving. This is also a sign of larger issues with the transmission system itself, which could be expensive to fix.

Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily fixed. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped or become uncoupled from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.

In some instances, however, the gear selector bushing could get damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the articulation points of the gear system to make it more fluid. They perform the same function to cartilage in your knees so it's crucial that they remain in good shape and soft.

You can extend the life of your gear selector by doing a few easy things. It is best to avoid the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables that control the gear are often prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings are an important component of your gear selector, and should not go unnoticed. If you find that yours is wearing out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery


If you turn the ignition on but hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo an natural process that causes them to die prematurely. The negative plates of your car battery will begin to become coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery could cause your car to lose power, which could lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign you require a new battery.

It's possible that your problem is not an unresponsive battery but a malfunction in the charging system. A mechanic's check to verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly could solve this issue.

A key fob that is not functioning properly is a common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a small device that connects to the computer in the vehicle and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could be confused or stop communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Follow the steps in the owner's manual to reset a lost keyfob. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to open and close the doors, switch lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or open and shut the windows. If this does not fix your device, it could require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. It's worth trying these simple methods before you buy an entirely new fob.

key fob repairs have an embedded transponder chip in them. It transmits a signal to a receiver within the ignition when inserted. This signal tells the immobilizer in the car whether the key is the right one for it to start. In the 1990s, car theft was an issue. The majority of manufacturers have installed this transponder system to ensure security and insurance reasons.

If you have a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. It is located on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in your owner's manual.

Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the new key using a precise cutting machine onsite. If your key has a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black, it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.

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