Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are many reasons why your car key may not turn. Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical expertise or assistance from a professional. AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys without a chip using a key blank that is a match to your existing key. They then use a machine duplicate the contours. This service usually takes only minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes, a car's key will stop functioning at the worst time. For example, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or on your way to the gym. Or even when you are heading home from a long workday. If the problem is due to a deadlock or your key fob, it's generally easy to solve. This could help you avoid having to buy a new vehicle. If your key fob is not holding a charge the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This is a great solution, especially when your key fob is smashed frequently. If you're still having trouble making a quick visit to your local AutoZone can assist. Transponder chips can be found inside the head of plastic on your key if you own an older model car. These chips are designed to be more effective anti-theft devices. They emit unique code each time your key is inserted in 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 vehicle from starting. It is possible to reset the chip by yourself if you follow the instructions in the 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 or the manufacturer to change the keys in case you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships will also do this, but they might require proof of ownership and a deposit. Cylinder The cylinder is a fundamental 3D geometric shape. It's a form that has two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at an exact distance from the center. This is called the height of a cylinder. Some real-life examples of a cylindrical shape include toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also used in the manufacture of car engine components. You might also have to replace the cylinder if your key breaks. This is an inexpensive repair that you could do yourself. If you're handy with a toolbox you can purchase a new ignition lock at the local auto parts shop and replace it according to the instructions in the owner's manual. It's not always an easy task, and it's often easier to let a professional handle it for you. If your car keys are not getting into the ignition or starting the engine, it might be with the cylinder or the battery. Changing the battery on your key fob is one of the first things to try, and it could solve the issue. The key fob you have is likely to get lots of use and is jostled around a lot, and sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your car. It is usually carried out by a car dealership or locksmiths, based on the kind of vehicle you own. If you have an older model, you should consider visiting a local hardware store that is specialized in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut the standard car key and supply a spare, while the dealer will require the VIN number of your vehicle or proof of ownership to create the replacement. Gear Selector Over time, our keys get beaten. They get jumbled around in pockets, purses and drawers, and can even be bent in a difficult-to-access location. That's why it's important to regularly check the grooves of your key to make sure they're in good shape and clean. If not the grooves on the key will eventually wear away making it difficult to insert and remove the key. There are several things you can try to remove your key from the ignition. First, try using an alternate key to determine whether the issue is with the key itself or the ignition switch. Then, move 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 can also be caused by misaligned small tumblers inside the cylinder. car key fob repairs can cause the pins to not drop correctly, which prevents the key from being inserted or removed successfully. Using a lock lubricant that is specially designed or graphite powder could aid in re-aligning the tumblers so that the key can easily come out of the ignition. Some people might suggest tapping the edge of the key using an hammer while it's in the ignition, but this can cause damage to the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. You can use a tack hammer instead of the hammer, but be careful not to hit it too hard. If you've tried all of these methods but are still unable remove your car keys, it could be time to contact an expert. A certified locksmith or mechanic can safely disassemble the ignition and extract your key. Battery The car key fob is a handy tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, as with all things that run on batteries - it will eventually die. You can easily replace the batteries yourself and your key fob is just as good as new. You'll need to first locate the correct battery. Begin by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle or asking a locksmith in your area what type of battery it uses. You can buy batteries at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may have to take apart your key fob to find the battery slot. If so it, it is essential that you make use of a soft tool, such as a screwdriver or even your fingernail to pry open the fob without causing any internal damage. After 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. The battery will not be able to charge properly in the absence of this. 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 towards the vehicle. It's time to hop in your car and enjoy your newly restored key. In no time, life's interruptions will not be a problem since you'll be a master in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! Follow our blog to get more tips on how you can repair your vehicle yourself. If you are not ready yet, we can help you with affordable keyfob repairs. Bent Key The last thing you'd like to happen to your car key is for it to get bent in the lock, or worse, get stuck inside. This type of key is usually repairable. However, if the key is too far into and can no longer be removed by normal twisting, the only solution is to replace it. Generally, the problem with a key getting stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become excessively worn and isn't working properly with the lock wafers. This could also mean that you need an ignition cylinder that is new, or a key. If the key is able to be inserted in the cylinder and turned, but isn't aligned properly, then you will need to flatten it out using a Hammer. Be sure to employ a soft-faced hammer so as not to damage the key or lock cylinder. You can also use the flat end of a pair needle-nose pliers to bend it back into alignment. It may take a few tries to get the key into alignment. If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, this means that the teeth are terribly worn and do not effectively engage the wafers. In this instance you'll require a new key as soon as possible. You can accomplish this by taking the stub of your key back to the dealership you bought your vehicle from and requesting an VIN-cut key that's identical to the previous key. This is much easier and less expensive than trying to bend your current key back into shape.
car key fob repairs
