Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a variety of reasons why your car keys won't turn. Some fixes are easy, while others require 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 machines to replicate the contours of your current key. This service typically only takes a few minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car's key will not work at the most inconvenient times - such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk, on the way to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the issue is due to your key fob battery, or a dead lock it is generally easy to solve and may save you the cost of an expensive replacement.
If your key fob is not keeping a charge the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This is a great solution particularly when your key fob has been tossed around frequently. If you're still having issues, a quick visit to your local AutoZone could be able to assist.
Transponder chips may be embedded in the plastic head on your key if driving an older model car. Designed to be a more effective anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code when your key is put into the ignition. This signal is read by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and then starts your engine or rejects it and prevents your car from starting.
Depending on the specific model of your car depending on the model, you might be in a position to reset the chip by following the directions in your owner's manual. It is possible to open and close doors, switch on and off electronic devices or lights, and press series of buttons in a certain order. You can pay a locksmith manufacturer to change the keys in case you are not able to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but may require proof of ownership papers and an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is among the most basic 3D geometric shapes. It's a shape with two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at an undefined distance from the center. This is referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet rolls as well as cans of cold drinks and LPG gas tanks are all examples of cylinders. The cylinder is also commonly used in car engine parts.
When a key breaks it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair, and is typically feasible to carry out. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto parts store and follow the directions in your owner's manual for how to replace it. It's not always a simple process and it's easier to let someone else take care of it.
If your car keys are not getting into the ignition or turning on the engine, the problem could be due to the cylinder or battery. It is a good idea to test changing the battery of your key fob first. This could resolve the issue. Your key fob is likely to be used a lot and bumped around, which means it could need to be cleaned and reprogrammed.
It is usually carried out by the car dealership or by a locksmith, depending on the type of vehicle you have. If you have an older model, it's worth looking for a local hardware shop that specializes in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut the standard car key and supply an extra key, whereas the dealer will need the VIN number of your car or evidence of ownership in order to make the replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time, our keys take a beating. They can get lost in pockets, purses and drawers, and could even be bent in an impossible-to-access location. That's why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your key to ensure they are clean and intact. If not, the grooves of the key will eventually wear away and make it difficult to insert and remove the key.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, there are a few alternatives you can take to aid in removing it. First, try using key repairs to see if the problem is with the key itself or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle the key in and out of the ignition to help it align properly with the internal components.
A jamming of the key in the ignition cylinder can also be caused by misalignment of small tumblers within the cylinder. This can result in the pins failing to drop correctly, which can prevent the key from being properly inserted. You can re-align the tumblers with an oil for locks, or graphite.
Finally, some people may recommend tapping the end of the key with an hammer while it's in the ignition, but this can end up damaging the key as well as the ignition cylinder. Use a tack-hammer instead of an hammer, but do not hit it too hard.
If you've tried these suggestions but are still unable remove your car keys, it could be time to call a professional. A professional locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the car ignition and then remove the key.
Battery
The car key fob is a useful tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, as with all things that run on batteries - it will eventually fail. Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as excellent as new.
First, you'll need to locate the correct battery. The best place to start is by reading the owner's manual, or speaking with an expert locksmith for the type of battery that your vehicle utilizes. You can purchase batteries at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may also need to disassemble your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. If you do this, make sure you employ a soft tool such as a screwdriver or even your fingernail to push 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 the positive and the negative sides of the batteries are in line. The battery won't be able charge properly in the absence of this. Close the key fob after the battery has been installed.
Test your new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle. If everything works as it should, it's time to hop in and enjoy your newly-restored car key. You'll soon be an expert in replacing the battery of your car key. Good luck! Check out our blog for more advice on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you're still not ready to repair your key, we can help with affordable key fob repair s.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to occur with your car key is to have it get bent inside the lock or even worse, stuck inside. This type of key can usually be repaired. If the key is stuck too far and cannot be released by normal twisting, then the only option is replacing it.
The most common issue with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become overly worn and isn't working properly with the lock wafers. This could mean that you require a new ignition cylinder, or the key.
If the key can be inserted into the cylinder and turned but isn't aligned properly, you'll need to flatten it out using a hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer in order to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder or key. You could also use the flat end on a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back into its proper alignment. It could take a few attempts to bring the key back into alignment.
If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, it means that the teeth are terribly worn and do not engage the wafers correctly. In this case you'll need to replace your key as quickly as you can. This can be accomplished by taking the key stub to the dealer where you bought your car, and soliciting the VIN cut key that is exactly the same as the one you had previously. This is much simpler and cheaper than trying your existing key to get back to normal.