Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are many reasons why your car key may not turn. Some are simple fixes and others require a bit more technical expertise or assistance from a professional.
AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that don't contain a chip by selecting an identical key blank and utilizing an instrument to replicate the contours of your existing key. This service typically only takes minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car's key will stop working at the most unavoidable times - such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk, on your way to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the problem is due to your key fob battery or dead lock it is typically a simple repair and could help you save the cost of an expensive replacement.
If key repair service near me is not holding a charge, the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This can often fix the issue, especially if you've had it for a while, and it's been tossed around frequently. If you're still having issues, a quick visit to your local AutoZone might be able help.
If you're driving a newer vehicle, it might have a transponder chip in the head of your key. Designed to be a more effective anti-theft device they emit a unique code when your key is inserted into the ignition. This signal is detected by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and then starts your engine or rejects it and stops your vehicle from beginning.
Depending on your specific car depending on the model, you might be in a position to reset the chip on your own by following the directions in the owner's guide. It may require opening and closing doors or turning off lights or electronics and pressing a number of buttons in a specific sequence. If you're not able to do this yourself, it's important to note that most locksmiths and manufacturers are able to modify the keys at a cost. Some car dealerships will also perform this, however they may require proof of ownership as well as an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is among the most fundamental 3D shapes in geometry. It's a shape with two circular bases connected by a curved surface at a fixed distance from the center, referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet rolls, cans of cold drinks and LPG gas tanks are just a few examples of cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of automobile engine components.
It is also possible to replace the cylinder if your key fails. This is an inexpensive repair that you can typically do yourself. If you're handy with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto part store and follow the steps in your owner's manual for how to replace it. It's not always an easy process and it's more convenient to let someone else handle it.
If your car keys aren't entering the ignition or starting the engine, the problem could be due to the cylinder or the battery. The battery change on your key fob is among the first things you should try, and it could solve the issue. Your key fob likely gets a lot of use and is tossed around a lot, and it may need to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your car.
It is usually carried out by the car dealership or by a locksmith, based on the type of vehicle you have. If you have an older model, it's worth looking for a local hardware shop that has a specialization in keys for automotive locks. A hardware store should be able to cut an ordinary key and provide you with a spare. However the dealer might require your VIN number or proof of ownership in order to create an alternative replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time, our keys are prone to a beating. They can get lost in pockets, purses and drawers, and can even be bent in a difficult-to-access location. This is why it's important to regularly check the grooves of your key to make sure they are clean and intact. If they aren't, the grooves of the key will eventually wear away, making it difficult to remove and insert the key.
If your key becomes stuck in the ignition, there are a few different things you can do to help it out. First try using an extra key to determine whether the issue is related to the key or the ignition switch. Then, move the key into and out of the ignition to help it properly align with the internal components.
A key jamming inside the ignition cylinder may be caused by misalignment of small tumblers within the cylinder. This could cause the pins to fall off incorrectly, which prevents the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a lock lubricant that is specially designed or graphite powder may 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 tip of the ignition key using an hammer that is small. This could damage the ignition cylinder and the key. Make use of a tack-hammer instead the hammer, but be careful not to hit it too hard.
If you have tried all of these tips but still aren't able to get rid of your car keys, it may be time to consult a professional. A professional locksmith or mechanic can securely disassemble your car ignition and then remove the key.
Battery
The car key fob makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. However, it will eventually end up dying just like other devices that are powered by batteries. You can easily replace the batteries yourself and your key fob is as good as new.
The first step is to find the right battery. The best way to begin is by reading your owner's manual or talking to an expert locksmith for the type of battery that your vehicle utilizes. Then, you can purchase a compatible replacement at an area hardware store or auto parts retailer. It is possible to disassemble your key fob to find the battery slot. If you do this, make sure you employ a soft tool like a screwdriver or even your fingernail for prying open the fob, without causing internal damage.
Once you have opened the key fob then carefully insert the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and the negative sides of the batteries are in sync. Otherwise, the battery won't be able to charge correctly. Close the key fob after the battery has been installed.
Press the button on your new key and point it towards the car. It's time to get in your car and enjoy the newly restored key. In a matter of minutes interruptions in your life will be no problem because you'll be a master in car key battery replacement. Good luck! Check out our blog for more information on how you can repair your vehicle yourself. If you're not ready yet, we offer affordable keyfob repair services.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to happen with your car key is for it to become bent inside the lock or worse, it gets stuck inside. Luckily, this kind of key is usually fixed. However when the key is too far into and cannot be removed with normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it.
The most common issue with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is that it has become excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers properly. This could mean that you need an ignition cylinder that is new, or an ignition key.
If the key can be inserted in the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned correctly, then you'll need to flatten it with the help of a Hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to prevent damaging the lock's cylinder or key. You can also use the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It may take several attempts to get the key into the proper alignment.
If the key is not able to be removed from the ignition cylinder, it could be that the teeth have become excessively worn and are not engaging the wafers inside the lock properly. In this situation you'll require an entirely new key as soon as you can. You can do this by taking the key stub back to the dealer you bought your vehicle from and requesting a VIN-cut key that is identical to your old key. This is a lot simpler and less expensive than trying bend your existing key back into shape.