Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a variety of reasons for why your key won't turn. Some are easy fixes, while others require a bit more technical expertise or assistance from a professional.
AutoZone associates can replace most traditional keys that do not have chips by choosing the right key blank and using machines to replicate the contours of your current key. car key remote repair near me takes minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car key will stop working at the most inconvenient times, for instance, when you're putting groceries into your trunk, on your way to the gym, or when you're heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that when the problem is due to a key fob battery or a dead lock it is generally easy to fix and could save you the expense of a costly replacement.
The first thing to try is replacing the battery in your key fob if it's not charging anymore. This often fixes the problem particularly if you've had it for a while and has been tossed around a lot. If you still have problems, a quick visit to your local AutoZone might be able assist.
If remote car key repair near me driving a more modern vehicle it may have a transponder chip in the head of your key. It is designed to be a better anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique number of codes when your key is put into the ignition. The signal is then detected by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and starts your engine or rejects it and stops your vehicle from beginning.
Depending on the specific model of your car You may be able to reset the chip yourself by following the directions in your owner's manual. You may have to open and close doors, switch on and off electronics or lights, and press series of buttons in a particular order. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to modify your keys if you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships also perform this, however they may require proof of ownership as well as the deposit.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a fundamental 3D geometric shape. It's a shape with two circular bases connected by a curved surface at a set distance from the center, called the height of the cylinder. A few real-world examples of a cylindrical cylinder are toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of car engine components.
You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key breaks. 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 a simple process, and it's often easier to let a professional do it for you.
If your car keys are not getting into the ignition or starting the engine, it could be due to the cylinder or battery. It is recommended to change the battery of your key fob first. This may fix the problem. Your key fob likely gets frequent use and is tossed around a lot, so it may need to be cleaned and reprogrammed for the car.
It is usually carried out by the car dealership or by locksmiths, based on the kind of vehicle you own. If you have an older model, it's worth visiting a local hardware store that has a specialization in keys for automotive locks. A hardware store should be able to cut the standard key and supply you with a spare. However the dealer might require the VIN number of your vehicle or proof of ownership in order to create a new replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time keys get beaten. They get jumbled around in purses, pockets and drawers, and can even be bent in a hard-to-reach area. That's why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your keys to ensure they are clean and intact. If they aren't the grooves on the key will eventually wear out, making it difficult to insert and remove the key.
If your key becomes stuck in the ignition, there are a few options to aid in removing it. First try using an extra key to determine whether the issue is related to the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your key in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.
A key jamming in the ignition cylinder can also be caused by misalignment of the small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins to not drop correctly, which prevents the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder may assist in re-aligning these tumblers, so the key can easily come out of the ignition.
Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key using an hammer that is small. This could cause damage to the cylinder that controls the ignition and the key. You can use a tack hammer instead of the hammer, but be careful not to hit it too hard.
If you've tried all these suggestions but are still unable to get rid of your car key, it could be time to call a professional. A qualified mechanic or locksmith can safely remove the ignition and retrieve your key.
Battery
The car key fob is a handy tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, it will eventually end up dying just like other devices 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. The best place to start is by reading your owner's manual, or speaking with a locksmith about the type of battery your vehicle utilizes. You can purchase an alternative battery at your local auto parts store or hardware store. You may also have to disassemble your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. If you do this, make sure you make use of a soft tool, like a screwdriver or even your fingernail to pry open the fob without causing any internal damage.
Once you have opened the key fob, carefully insert the new battery into the slot. Make sure the positive and negative sides of the batteries are in line. Otherwise the battery won't be able charge correctly. Once the battery is in place, close the key fob and then snap it back to its original position.
Test out your new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle. If everything functions according to plan then it's time to get in and enjoy your newly-restored car key. You'll soon be an expert at changing the battery in your car key. Good luck! Be sure to check our blog for more advice on how to repair your vehicle at home. If you are not ready yet, we offer low-cost keyfob repairs.
Bent Key
The last thing you'd want to happen to your car key is for it to get bent in the lock, or worse still, stuck inside. Luckily, this type of key can usually be repaired. However when the key is too deep and can no longer be removed by normal twisting, the only option is to replace it.
The key could be worn out and not connect the lock wafers in a proper. It could also be a sign that you should replace the ignition cylinder or just purchase a new one.
If the key is still in a position to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned properly, you will need an hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to ensure that you don't damage the lock cylinder or the key. You can also use the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend it back into alignment. It could take several tries to get the key back into the proper 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 not engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly. If this is the case, a replacement key will be needed as soon as possible. You can do this by taking the key stub back to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle from and asking for a VIN-cut key that is exactly like your previous key. This is much simpler and less expensive than trying to use your current key to get back into shape.