Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are many reasons your car key won't turn. Some are easy fixes, while others require a bit more technical knowledge or help from a professional. AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys without a chip by using a blank key that is identical to your current key. They then use a machine to duplicate the contours. This process usually takes minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes a car key can not work at the most inconvenient times, for instance, when you're putting groceries into your trunk, on your way to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that when the problem is caused by your key fob battery or dead lock, it's typically a simple solve and may save you the cost of an expensive replacement. If your key fob isn't keeping a charge, the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This is a good solution, especially when your key fob is smashed frequently. If you still have problems, a quick visit to your local AutoZone may be able to assist. If you're driving a brand newer vehicle, it might have a transponder chip in the plastic 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 inserted into the ignition. This signal is then scanned by the vehicle's immobilizer which either accepts it and then starts the engine or denies it and stops your car from getting started. Depending on the specific model of your car You may be able to reset the chip on your own by following the instructions in the owner's guide. You may need to open and close doors, turn on and off electronic devices or lights and press a series of buttons in a certain order. You can pay a locksmith or manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can also do this for you but may require proof of ownership papers and the deposit. Cylinder The cylinder is a basic 3D shape in geometry. It's a shape that has two circular bases joined by a curved surface that is a set distance from the center, called the height of the cylinder. Some real-life examples of a cylindrical shape include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also commonly used in car engine components. It is also possible to replace the cylinder in case your key is damaged. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can usually do yourself. If you are adept with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock at the local auto parts shop and replace it in accordance with the directions in the owner's manual. It's not always a simple process and it's usually better to let a professional handle it for you. If your car keys don't start the engine or turn on the ignition it could be an issue with the battery or cylinder. It is recommended to try changing the battery in your key fob first. This could fix the issue. Your key fob likely gets lots of use and is tossed around a lot, and sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your vehicle. This is usually done either by the car dealership or by a locksmith, based on the kind of vehicle you own. If you have an older model, you should consider trying a local hardware store that is specialized in keys or locks for automobiles. A hardware store should be capable of cutting an ordinary key and provide you with an extra. However the dealer might require your VIN number or proof of ownership in order to design a new replacement. Gear Selector Over time, keys may become damaged. They can get lost in purses, pockets and drawers, and could even be bent in a hard-to-reach place. It is important to check the grooves on your keys regularly to ensure that 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 gets stuck in the ignition, there are a few different things you can do to help it out. Try using a spare key to determine if the problem lies with the ignition switch or the key switch. Then, you can jiggle the key into and out of the ignition to help it align properly with the internal components. A key jamming inside the ignition cylinder could be caused by misaligned small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins to not drop properly, which prevents the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder may aid in re-aligning the tumblers so that the key will be able to easily slide out of the ignition. Finally, some people may recommend tapping the end of the key with a hammer while it is in the ignition, but this could actually damage the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. It is better to use a tack hammer to knock the key, however, be careful not to strike it too hard. If you have tried all of these tips but are still unable remove your car keys, it may be time to contact an expert. A professional locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the car ignition and remove your key. Battery The car key fob is a handy tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, as with all things that rely on batteries, it will eventually die. You can easily replace the batteries yourself, and your key fob is just as good as new. First, you'll need locate the correct battery. The best place to start is to read your owner's manual, or speaking with a locksmith about the type of battery your vehicle utilizes. Then, purchase a compatible replacement at a local hardware store or auto parts retailer. You may have to take apart your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to use a soft tool, such as a fingernail, or screwdriver, to pry the fob apart without damaging the internals. Once you have opened the key fob, carefully insert the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the batteries are aligned. The battery will not be able to charge properly if you don't make this a priority. Once the battery is installed, close the key fob, then snap it back to its original position. Press the button on your new key and point it at the car. If everything is working just as it should then it's time to get in and enjoy your newly-restored car key. In no time interruptions to your day will be no problem because you'll be a pro in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! Make sure you follow our blog for more tips 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 would wish to happen to your car key is to have it get bent in the lock, or worse still, stuck inside. Fortunately, this type of key can be repaired. However in key fob repairs that the key is too far in and can no longer 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 the fact that it has become excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers properly. This could also mean that you need a new ignition cylinder, or the key. If the key is able to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned properly it will require an hammer to flatten the key. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to ensure that you don't damage the lock cylinder or key. You could also make use of the flat end on needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back to align. It may take a few tries to get the key in the proper alignment. If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder, it means that the teeth have become overly worn and are not connecting the wafers in the lock properly. In this situation you'll need a new key as soon as you can. This can be done by taking the key stub to the dealership where you bought your car and soliciting a VIN cut key that is exactly the identical to the old one. This is a lot easier and cheaper than trying your current key to get back to normal.
key fob repairs
