Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a variety of reasons for why your key won't turn. Some fixes are easy, while others require more technical knowledge or assistance from a professional.
AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that don't contain chips by choosing a matching key blank and using an instrument to replicate the contours of your existing key. This service usually takes only minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the worst possible moment. For example, when you are putting groceries in the trunk or on your way to the gym. Even when you are heading back home after a long working day. The good news is that if the problem is due to your 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 step is replacing the battery in your key fob if it's no longer holding a charge anymore. This is a viable option particularly in the event that your key fob is smashed frequently. If you're still experiencing issues it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone may be able to help.
If you're driving a more modern vehicle, it could contain a transponder in the head of your plastic key. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit a unique code each time your key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then scanned and processed by the "immobilizer" which either starts and accepts the engine of your vehicle or denies it from beginning.
Depending on your specific car depending on the model, you might be able to reset the chip yourself by following the steps in the owner's manual. It may involve opening and closing doors as well as turning off and on lights or electronics and pressing a series of buttons in a certain order. If you're unable to accomplish this by yourself, you need to know that locksmiths and the manufacturer can reprogram these keys at a cost. Some car dealerships can perform this, however they may require proof of ownership and a deposit.
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 called the height of the cylinder. Some real-life examples of a cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in a variety of car engine parts.
It is also possible to replace the cylinder if your key breaks. This is a relatively inexpensive repair that is usually feasible to carry out. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto parts store and follow the directions in your owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy task and it's easier to let someone else handle it.
If your car keys are not being inserted into the ignition or turning on the engine, the issue might be with the cylinder or battery. The battery change on your key fob is among the first things you should try, and it could fix the problem. Your key fob is likely to be used a lot and bumped around, which means it might 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 own. If you own an older model, it's worth looking for a local hardware shop that is specialized in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut a standard car key and supply an alternative, while the dealer will require the VIN number of your car or evidence of ownership in order to make an alternative.
Gear Selector
Over time, keys can be damaged. They can get tangled in purses, drawers and pockets, or bent in hard-to-reach places. That's why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your key to ensure that they're in good shape and clean. If they aren't the grooves will eventually become worn and make it difficult to insert or remove the key.
If your key becomes stuck in the ignition there are a couple of alternatives you can take to aid in removing it. First, try using auto key repair near me to determine whether the issue is with the key or the ignition switch. Then, you can jiggle the key in and out of the ignition to ensure that it is get aligned with the internal components.
A key jamming inside the ignition cylinder could be caused by misalignment of small tumblers in the cylinder. This can cause the pins to not drop correctly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. You can align the tumblers by using a lock lubricant, or graphite.
Some people suggest tapping the end of the ignition key using the hammer of a small size. remote key repair near me could cause damage to the cylinder that controls the ignition and the key. Use a tack-hammer instead of the hammer, but be careful not to hit it too hard.
If you've tried these suggestions but are still unable remove your car keys, it may be time to consult an expert. A qualified mechanic or locksmith can safely take apart the ignition and remove your key.
Battery
The car key fob is a handy tool that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. However, 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 great as new.
You'll need to first locate the right battery. The best place to start is by reading the owner's manual or talking to an expert locksmith for the type of battery that your vehicle uses. Then, purchase the appropriate replacement from an area hardware store or auto parts retailer. It is also possible to remove your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to employ a soft tool, like a fingernail or screwdriver to open the fob open without causing internal damage.
Once you have opened the key fob, carefully insert the new battery into the slot. Make sure the positive and the negative sides of the batteries are in sync. Otherwise the battery won't be able charge correctly. Once the battery is installed, close the key fob and then snap it back to its original position.
Test the new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle. It's time to hop in your vehicle and enjoy the newly restored key. You'll soon be a pro in replacing the car key battery. Good luck! And be sure to follow our blog for more tips on how to repair your vehicle at home. If you're not sure for a key replacement, we provide affordable key fob replacements.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to happen to your car key is that it gets bent inside the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. Fortunately, this type of key can usually be fixed. If the key is stuck for too long and cannot be removed by normal twisting, the only option is replacing it.
Generally speaking, the issue with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is that it has become excessively worn and is no longer engaging the lock wafers properly. This could mean that you need an entirely new ignition cylinder or a key.
If the key is in a position to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned in the right way then you'll need a hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or the key. Alternately, you can make use of the flat end of a pair needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It may require several attempts to bring the key back into the proper alignment.
If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition, it means that the teeth are terribly worn out and cannot properly engage the wafers. In this situation, you will need an entirely 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 the VIN cut key that is the exact same as your old one. This is a lot easier and less expensive than trying to use your existing key to get back into shape.
