Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many reasons why your car key may not turn. Some are simple fixes while others require a bit more technical expertise or assistance from a professional.

AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys, without chip using a key blank that is identical to your current key. They then use a machine duplicate the contours. This service typically only takes minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car's keys will stop working at the worst possible time. For instance, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or heading to the gym. Or, perhaps, when you're heading home from a long workday. If the issue is caused by a deadlock or a key fob, it's generally easy to solve. This could help you avoid needing to purchase a new car.

If your key fob isn't holding a charge the first thing you need to do is replace the battery. This is a great solution, especially when your key fob has been jostled often. If you still have problems it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone may be able to assist.

Transponder chips may be embedded in the head of plastic on your key if you own a newer car. It is designed to be a more efficient anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read and processed by the "immobilizer", which either allows you to start the engine of your vehicle or blocks it from starting.

Based on the model of your vehicle, you may be able to reset the chip by following the directions in the owner's guide. It is possible to open and close doors, turn on and off electronic devices or lights and press a series of buttons in a certain order. If you're unable to accomplish this yourself, it's important to note that most locksmiths and manufacturers can reprogram these keys for a small fee. Some car key repair company dealerships will also do this, but they may require proof of ownership and a deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is a fundamental 3D geometry shape. It's a form with two circular bases joined by a curved surface that is a fixed distance from the center, which is known as the height of the cylinder. A few real-world examples of a cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of car engine parts.

If a key fails it is possible to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair, and it's usually possible to do yourself. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder from your local auto parts store and follow the steps in your owner's manual for how to replace it. It's not always a simple process, and it's often easier to let a professional do it for you.

If your car keys are not entering the ignition or starting the engine, it could be due to the cylinder or battery. It is a good idea to change the battery on your key fob first. This could resolve the issue. Your key fob likely gets a lot of use and is jostled around a lot, which is why sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your vehicle.

This is typically done by a car keys repair near me dealership or locksmiths, based on the kind of vehicle you own. If you have an older model vehicle it is worth visiting a local hardware shop that specializes in automotive keys or locks. A hardware store will typically cut a standard car key and give you an alternative, while the dealer will require the VIN number of your car or proof of ownership to make the replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time, our keys get beaten. They get jumbled around in purses, pockets and drawers, and they may even be bent in a hard-to-reach place. That's why it's important to regularly check the grooves on your key to make sure they are clean and intact. If not the grooves on the key will eventually wear away, making it difficult to remove and insert the key.

If your key gets stuck in the ignition there are a couple of alternatives you can take to help it out. Try using a spare to determine if the issue is with the the ignition switch. Then, you can jiggle the key in and out of the ignition to help it get aligned with the internal components.

A jamming of the key in the ignition cylinder may be caused by misalignment of the small tumblers within the cylinder. This can cause the pins to fall off incorrectly and prevent the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder can aid in re-aligning the tumblers so that the key can easily come out of the ignition.

In addition, some may suggest tapping the edge of the key using a hammer while it is in the ignition, but this can actually damage the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. It is safer to use a tackhammer to knock the key, but be careful not to hit it too hard.

If you've tried all of these methods but you're still unable to remove your car key, it may be time to call an expert. A locksmith or mechanic who is certified will be able to disassemble the ignition and extract your key repair.

Battery

The car key fob is a handy tool that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. However, it will eventually go out of service, just like everything else powered by batteries. Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as excellent as new.

You'll need to first locate the correct battery. Begin by reading the owner's guide of your vehicle, or asking a local locksmith what type of battery it uses. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may also have to disassemble your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. If so it, it is essential that you use a soft tool such as a screwdriver, or even your fingernail to push open the fob without causing any internal damage.

Once you have opened the key fob then carefully insert the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery match up with each other. The battery won't be able to charge properly if you don't make this a priority. Close the key fob after the battery has been installed.

Press the button on your new key and point it towards the car. If everything is working as it should, it's time to hop into your freshly restored car key. In no time interruptions to your day won't be an issue because you'll be a master in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! Be sure to check our blog for more advice on how to repair your vehicle at home. If you're still not ready to repair your key, we can help with affordable key fob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you'd like to happen to your car key remote repair key is for it to get bent inside the lock, or worse still, stuck inside. This kind of key is usually repairable. However when the key is too far into and can no longer be removed by normal twisting, key Repair the only option is to replace it.

Generally, the problem with a key getting stuck in the ignition is that it has become excessively worn and is no longer working properly with the lock wafers. It may be a sign that you need to replace the ignition cylinder, or just purchase a new one.

If the key is still able to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned properly then you'll need a hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer in order to ensure that you don't damage the lock cylinder or the key. You could also utilize the flat end of a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back to align. It may require several attempts to bring the key back into alignment.

If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition cylinder it could be that the teeth have become overly worn and are no longer engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly. In this situation you'll require an entirely new key as soon as you can. You can accomplish this by taking the stub of your key back to the dealership you bought your vehicle from and requesting a VIN-cut key that is identical to the previous key. This is a lot simpler and cheaper than trying to bend your current key back to form.