Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a variety of reasons why your car key won't turn. Some fixes are simple, while others require more technical expertise or professional help.
AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that do not have chips by choosing a matching key blank and utilizing a machine to copy the contours of your current key. This process typically takes just minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the most inconvenient time. For example, when you are putting groceries in the trunk or rushing to the gym. Or, perhaps, when you're returning home from a long workday. The good news is that if the problem is due to your key fob battery, or a dead lock, it's typically a simple fix and could save you the cost of an expensive replacement.
If car key fob repair near me fob isn't charging, the first thing to do is replace the battery. This often fixes the problem particularly if you've been using it for a while and has been tossed around frequently. If you're still having issues it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone might be able assist.
Transponder chips can be found in the plastic head on your key if you own an older model car. Designed to be a more effective anti-theft device they emit a unique number of codes when your key is inserted into the ignition. This signal is then scanned and processed by the "immobilizer", which either accepts and starts the engine of your vehicle or denies it from beginning.
Depending on the specific model of your car, you may be in a position to reset the chip yourself by following the directions in your owner's manual. It could require closing and opening doors, turning on and off lights or electronic devices and pressing a set of buttons in a particular sequence. You can pay a locksmith manufacturer to modify your keys if you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can perform this, however they might require proof of ownership and an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a basic 3D geometric shape. It's a shape that has two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface, at an undefined distance from the center. This is called the height of a Cylinder. Some real-life examples of a cylindrical cylinder are toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also used in car engine parts.
It is also possible to replace the cylinder if your key is damaged. It's a relatively cheap repair, and it's usually feasible to carry out. If you're skilled with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock from the local auto parts shop and replace it according to the instructions in the owner's manual. It's not always an easy process, and it's often easier to let a professional handle it for you.
If your car keys aren't entering the ignition or turning on the engine, it could be due to the cylinder or battery. It is an ideal idea to test changing the battery on your key fob first. This could resolve the problem. Your key fob is bound to be frequently used and bumped around, which means it might require cleaning 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 own an older model, you should consider trying a local hardware store that is specialized in keys or locks for automobiles. A hardware store can usually cut the standard car key and give you a spare, while the dealer will require the VIN number of your car or proof of ownership to make the replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time, our keys take a beating. They can get tangled in drawers, purses and pockets, and bent in difficult-to-access places. That's why it's important to regularly check the grooves of your keys to ensure that they're in good shape and clean. If they're not the grooves will eventually wear down making it difficult to insert or remove the key.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, there are a few different things you can do to help it out. First try using an alternate key to determine whether the issue is with the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your keys in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key has become jammed in the ignition cylinder, that can happen when the tiny tumblers inside the cylinder do not align. 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 aid in re-aligning these tumblers, so keys can be easily pulled out of the ignition.
Some people suggest tapping the end of the ignition key using a small hammer. This can damage the ignition cylinder and the key. It is better to use a tack hammer to knock the key down, but be careful not to strike it too hard.
If you have tried these suggestions but you are still unable to remove your car keys, it might be time to consult a professional. A certified locksmith or mechanic will be able to safely disassemble the ignition of your car and take out your key.
Battery
The car key fob is a useful tool that makes it simple to lock and unlock your vehicle. However, it will eventually go out of service, just like everything else that are powered by batteries. Fortunately, you can replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as good as new.
First, you'll need to locate the right battery. Begin by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle or asking a locksmith at your local store which type of battery it uses. You can purchase batteries at your local auto parts store or hardware store. It is also possible to remove your key fob to locate the battery slot. If you do, it is important that you make use of a soft tool, such as a screwdriver, or even your fingernail for prying open the fob without causing internal damage.
After 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. Otherwise the battery won't be able charge correctly. Close the key fob after the battery has been installed.
Test your new key by pressing the button and then pointing it at the vehicle. If everything works just as it should you can hop into your freshly restored car key. You'll soon be a pro in changing the battery in your car key. Good luck! Check out our blog for more advice on how you can repair your vehicle yourself. If you're not sure, we offer affordable key fob replacements.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to occur with your car key is to have it get bent in the lock or worse, it gets stuck inside. This type of key is usually repairable. If the key is stuck for too long and cannot be released by normal twisting, the only option is to replace it.
The most common issue with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is the fact that it is excessively worn and is no longer engaging the lock wafers correctly. It could be a sign that you should replace the ignition cylinder or just get a new key.
If the key can be inserted into the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, you'll have to flatten it out with an hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer in order to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder or key. You can also make use of the flat end on pliers with needle-nosed tips to bend the key back into alignment. It may take several attempts to get the key back into the proper alignment.
If the key is not able to be removed from the ignition cylinder it could be that the teeth have become overly worn and are no longer engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly. In this case you'll need a new key as soon as possible. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealership where you purchased your car and soliciting a VIN cut key that is exactly the identical to the old one. This is much simpler and less expensive than attempting to change your existing key to get back into shape.