Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are a variety of reasons why your car key won't turn. Some fixes are easy, while others require more technical knowledge or expert assistance.

AutoZone associates can replace traditional keys, without chip using a key blank that is a match to your existing key. They then use a machine duplicate the contours. The process typically takes minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car key repairs Key fob repair will stop working at the most unavoidable times - for instance, when you're putting groceries into your trunk on the way to the gym or home after a long day. If the problem is caused by a deadlock or a key fob, it's usually easy to solve. This could help you avoid having to purchase a brand new vehicle.

The first step is replacing the battery in your key fob in case it's not holding a charge anymore. This can often fix the issue particularly if you've had it for a while, and it's been tossed around a lot. If you're still experiencing issues it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone could be able to help.

Transponder chips may be embedded in the plastic head on your key if you own a newer vehicle. It is designed to be a more effective anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique number of codes when your key is put into the ignition. This signal is then detected by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and starts your engine or rejects it and stops your car from getting started.

Depending on the specific model of your car depending on the model, you might be able to reset the chip on your own by following the directions in the owner's guide. It may involve opening and closing doors, turning on and off lights or electronics, and pressing a set of buttons in a particular order. If you're unable to do this by yourself, you need to know that locksmiths and manufacturers can reprogram the keys at a cost. Some car dealerships will assist you in this process, but they might require proof of ownership papers and the deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is among the most basic 3D shapes in geometry. It's a shape that has two circular bases connected by a curved surface that is an exact distance from the center, referred to as the height of the cylinder. Examples of real-world cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in a variety of automobile engine parts.

You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key is damaged. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can typically do yourself. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder from the local auto parts store and follow the steps in the owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy process and is often better to have a professional take care of it for you.

If your car keys won't turn on the engine or turn on the ignition, it could be an issue with the cylinder or battery. It is an ideal idea to change the battery of your key fob first. This may fix the problem. Your key fob is likely to be used a lot and jostled, so it could need to be cleaned and reset.

This is usually handled by locksmiths or your car dealership, based on the kind of vehicle you own. If you have an older model, you should consider visiting a local hardware store that specializes in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut the standard car key and give you an alternative, while the dealer will need the VIN number of your vehicle or proof of ownership to make a replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time, our keys are prone to a beating. They can get lost in purses, pockets and drawers, and they could even be bent in a hard-to-reach place. That's why it is so important to check the grooves of your keys to ensure they are clean and intact. If they aren't, the grooves will eventually wear down and make it difficult to insert or remove the key.

There are many ways you can get your key off the ignition. First, try using a spare key to see whether the issue is related to the key itself or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your key in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.

Another possibility is that the key is jammed in the ignition cylinder which could happen when the small tumblers inside the cylinder misalign. This could result in the pins failing to drop properly, preventing the key from being successfully inserted. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder could aid in re-aligning these tumblers, so the key will be able to easily slide out of the ignition.

Some people suggest that you tap the end of the ignition key using the hammer of a small size. This can damage the ignition cylinder as well as the key. It's better to use a tackhammer to knock the key down, but be careful not to hit it too hard.

If you've tried all of these tips and are still unable to remove your car key, it may be time to call an expert. A professional locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the ignition of your car and remove your key.

Battery

The car key fob is a convenient way to lock or unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, as with all things that run on batteries - it will eventually die. Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as excellent as new.

First, you'll need to find the right battery. The best place to start is to read your owner's manual or talking to a locksmith about the type of battery your car utilizes. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts store or hardware store. You may have to take apart your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to make use of a soft tool like a fingernail or screwdriver, to pry the fob out without damaging the internals.

Insert the new battery carefully into the slot after you have opened the keyfob. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery line up with each other. The battery will not be able charge properly if you don't do this. Close the key fob after the battery is installed.

Test the new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle. If everything is working just as it should then it's time to get in and take a look at your newly restored car key. Before you know it interruptions in your life will not be a problem since you'll be a master at car key battery replacement. Good luck! Check out our blog for more advice on how to fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not sure, we offer affordable key fob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you want to occur with your car key is for it to become bent in the lock, or worse, it gets stuck inside. This kind of key can usually be repaired. However in the event that the key is too deep and cannot be removed by normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it.

The most common issue with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is that it has become excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers correctly. It could be an indication that you should replace the ignition cylinder, or just purchase a new one.

If the key is still in a position to be put into the cylinder but it's not aligned properly then you'll need an hammer to flatten the key. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to prevent damaging the lock cylinder or the key. You could also utilize the flat end of pliers with needle-nosed tips to bend the key back to align. It could require a few tries to bring the key back into the proper alignment.

If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition, this indicates that the teeth are excessively worn and do not properly engage the wafers. In this case you'll require an entirely new key as soon as possible. You can do this by taking the key stub back to the dealer you bought your car from and asking for the VIN-cut keys that are identical to the previous key. This is a lot easier and less expensive than attempting to change your existing key to get back to normal.