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Automotive Key Repair Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
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 could happen at the worst possible time, such as when you're filling your trunk with groceries or driving home from work.

Rather than panic instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some common key issues in the automotive industry and solutions:

Broken or bent key

A bent key is the most common reason why car owners are unable to start their vehicle. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This might seem easy but be careful. The key is very thin and bending it just one degree can cause it to break.

You'll need a solid work surface and a pair pliers to accomplish this. Grab the key on 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. After that, you can place it in the lock to test whether it will turn.

If not, her response may be time to have a new key cut. There is no need to call a locksmith and your key will still function.

Keep a spare key in your pocket so you don't have a way to enter your vehicle if it breaks.

If you're having difficulty inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying oil to it. This will make it easier to move through the cylinder and will prevent it from getting stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray to get the most precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your important.

Stuck pins or springs

A pin (also called a roll pin or a spring) may become stuck. A pin is a small piece of metal that measures between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long with hollow ends. It is used to connect two pieces of an equipment. In most cases you can take a nut off by pulling it out with your fingers or the wrench.

If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys, it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This can be a simple or complicated depending on the manufacturer and car.

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

Gear Selector

It's crucial to take your vehicle to a mechanic as fast as you can when the gear selector is stuck in park. It's a safety concern and could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could be a sign that the transmission system is experiencing bigger problems, which are costly to fix.

Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem is easily fixable. Most of the time, the cable end that is attached to the lever can snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.

In certain instances there are instances where the gear selector bushing could be damaged or worn out. These are rubber coverings that go around joints within the gear system, allowing it shift more easily. They perform the same function as cartilage in your knees, so it's crucial that they remain healthy and flexible.

It's not unusual for them to degrade in time, but there are a few ways to extend their lifespan. First, you should stay clear of using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. The cables for controlling the gear can freeze and break. You should also replace your bushings, such as the ones manufactured by First Line, with high-quality ones.

These bushings form an essential part of your gear selector and should not be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged, you should visit an auto repair shop that specializes Land Rover repairs. These experts can help find the right parts to fix your gear selection apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission.

Dead battery

If you switch the ignition on and hear only a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they go through a natural process which causes them to die prematurely. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery in your car begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.

A dead battery can also cause the loss of the power source in your car which can cause the radio or electric windows to malfunction. If you have been having trouble starting your car in cold weather this could be a sign that you need a new battery.

It's possible that your issue is not due to a dead battery but a malfunction in the charging system. Your mechanic should ensure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all functioning properly can solve this problem.


A key fob that is not functioning properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is connected to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes wet or exposed to extreme temperatures.

You can usually reset a lost key fob by following the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Depending on the type of vehicle, this will involve opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronic devices on and off or pressing a certain sequence of buttons. If this doesn't fix your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed by a special technician. But it's still worth attempting these steps before you decide to pay for a new one.

Ignition socket

Modern car keys have a transponder chip built into them that sends a signal to a receiver within the ignition when it is inserted. This signal tells an immobilizer that the key is right to allow the car to start. In the 1990s, car theft became a major issue. Many manufacturers put in this transponder system to ensure safety and insurance reasons.

If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be through the dealership or by contacting the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you go. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.

Bring your current working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to precisely replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade style or a key fob or has a hefty grey or black head on it, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.

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