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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 key won't turn on the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, for instance, when you're loading your trunk with groceries or heading home from work. Instead of panicking instead, there are a variety of options to get you back on the road. Here are some of the most common automotive key problems and solutions: Broken or bent key The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. Straightening the key is an easy fix. This may seem simple however, you need to be cautious. The key is very thin and could break if bent even slightly. To do this, you'll require an area with a solid foundation, as well as a pair of pliers. Hold the key at the other end using the pliers, and bend it until it is straight. It is recommended to do this on the floor or in a vice. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns. If not, you might need to have a new one made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith, and will ensure your key works. Keep an extra key in your purse so you're not without the ability to get into your vehicle if yours breaks. If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, try applying some lubrication on it before inserting it into the lock. This will allow it to move through the cylinder, and also prevent it from becoming stuck. You can use a spray graphite or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube that comes with the spray for an even more precise application. This will also help keep moisture from damaging your key. Stuck pins and springs A pin (also known as a roll pin or 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 machines. In the majority of instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out with your fingers or using a wrench. If you have a newer car that uses an electronic key with a microchip inside, there is an opportunity that the key has to be programmed in order to work with your vehicle. This process can vary depending on the model of car and the manufacturer. If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We are able to repair, replace or program almost every key for your vehicle. Gear Selector If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's crucial to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. It's a safety concern and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that your transmission system is having bigger issues, which can be costly to repair. Most times, this problem is easily fixable. The cable end that is attached to the lever could snap or become disconnected. This is a simple fix, and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes. In some cases, however, the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the points of articulation of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These covers function similar to the cartilage in your joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy. You can extend their life by doing a few easy things. The first is to avoid using the gear selector during extremely cold weather. This is because the cables that control the gear tend to freeze and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, such as ones made by First Line, with high-quality ones. These bushings form an essential element of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a great idea to visit an auto shop that specializes in Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with a range of other services, like maintenance and service for your transmission. key repair If you turn your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The majority of batteries last between three and five years, and as they age, they go through natural processes that cause them to end up dying early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be covered with sulfate crystals. A dead battery can also cause you to lose the power source in your car, causing the radio or the electric windows to stop working. If your car is having issues starting in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery. It is possible that your issue is not caused by a dead battery but an issue with the charging system. This issue can be solved by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are working properly. Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that isn't working properly. 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. The system may become confused or cease communicating with your vehicle when it is exposed extreme temperatures or gets wet. It is possible to reset a 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, or pressing a specific sequence of buttons. If this doesn't solve the issue, your device may require professional programming which requires the help of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying a new fob. Ignition socket Modern car keys are fitted with a transponder which, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer inside the car whether the key is the right one to be used for starting. In the 1990s theft of cars became such an issue that many manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes. If you own a newer vehicle, the only way to replace your key may be through the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Before you go there, write down the VIN number of your vehicle (vehicle identification number). It is located on the dashboard's front or door jamb in the owner's manual. Bring your current working key along to an participating AutoZone store and an associate will use machines to trace the contours of your key blank to accurately replicate the original key. The new key will be cut on the spot using a precision cutting machine. If your key is blade-style or a key fob or has a hefty black or grey head, it'll require programming to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.