Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a variety of reasons for why your key won't turn. Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical knowledge or assistance from a professional.
AutoZone associates can replace most traditional keys that do not have a chip by selecting an identical key blank and utilizing an instrument to replicate the contours of your current key. This service typically only takes minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car key will not work at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk, on your way to the gym, or when you're heading home after a long day. The good news is that if the problem is due to your key fob battery or dead lock it is generally easy to fix and could save you the expense of a costly replacement.
If your key fob is not charging, the first thing you need to do is replace the battery. This often fixes the problem particularly if you've had it for a while and it's been tossed around a lot. If you're still having issues, a quick trip to your local AutoZone can assist.
If you're driving a more modern vehicle it may have a transponder chip in the plastic head of your key. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit a unique code each time your key is inserts into the ignition. The signal is then read and processed by the "immobilizer" which either accepts and starts the engine of your vehicle or denies it from starting.
You might be able to reset the chip yourself by following the instructions 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 number of buttons in a particular order. You can pay a locksmith or manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships will also perform this, however they may require proof of ownership as well as an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a fundamental 3D geometry shape. It's a shape that has two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at a fixed distance away from the center. This is referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet paper rolls and cans of cold drinks and LPG gas tanks are just a few examples of cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in a variety of automobile engine components.
If a key is damaged it is possible to replace the cylinder, too. key repair service 's a relatively cheap repair, and it's usually feasible to perform it yourself. If you're skilled with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock from the local auto parts store and then replace it in accordance with the directions in the owner's manual. However, it's not always a simple process, and it's often easier to have a professional take care of it for you.
If your car keys won't turn on the engine or go into the ignition it could be an issue with the battery or cylinder. The battery change on your key fob is one of the first things you should try, and it could fix the problem. Your key fob likely gets frequent use and is jostled around a lot, so often it requires to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your vehicle.
It is usually carried out by the car dealership or by a locksmith, based on the type of vehicle you own. If you own an older model car, it is worth visiting the local hardware store that specialises in automotive keys or locks. Hardware stores can typically cut a standard car key and provide an alternative, while the dealer will require 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 tangled in drawers, purses, and pockets, and bent in places that are difficult to reach. That's why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your keys to ensure they are clean and intact. If they're not the grooves will eventually get worn down, making it difficult to insert or remove the key.
There are several things you can try to free your key from the ignition. Try using a spare to determine if the problem lies with the the ignition switch. Then, jiggle the key into and out of the ignition to allow it to align properly with the internal components.
A key jamming inside the ignition cylinder could be caused by misalignment of small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins not to drop properly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. You can adjust the tumblers with a lock lubricant, or graphite.
Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key using the hammer of a small size. This can damage the cylinder that controls the ignition and the key. It is better to use a tack hammer to knock the key, but be careful not to hit it too hard.
If you have tried these suggestions but are still unable remove your car keys, it could be time to call a professional. A certified locksmith or mechanic can safely disassemble the car ignition and remove your key.
Battery
The car key fob makes it easy to lock or unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, like most things that rely on batteries, it will eventually die. You can easily replace the batteries yourself and your key fob is like new.
You'll need to first locate the right battery. The best place to start is to read your owner's manual or talking to an expert locksmith for the type of battery your car uses. Then, you can purchase an equivalent replacement at a local hardware store or auto parts retailer. It is possible to disassemble your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. If you do this, make sure you use a soft tool like a screwdriver or even your fingernail to push 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 battery line up. The battery will not be able charge properly if you don't make this a priority. Once the battery is fully charged shut off the key fob, then snap it back together.
Test your new key by pressing the button and pointing it at the vehicle. If everything is working as it should you can hop into your freshly restored car key. Before you know it interruptions to your day will not be a problem since you'll be a master in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! And be sure to follow our blog for more tips on how to fix your vehicle at home. If you're not ready yet, we can provide affordable keyfob repairs.
Bent Key
The final thing you want to occur with your car key is for it to become bent inside the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. This type of key is usually repairable. However in the event that the key is too far in and can no longer be removed with normal twisting, the only option is to replace it.
The key may be too worn out to engage the lock wafers correctly. This could mean that you need an ignition cylinder that is new, or the key.
If the key is able to be inserted in the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, then you'll have to flatten it out with the help of a hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to prevent damaging the lock cylinder or the key. Alternately, you can make use of the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend it back to align. It might require several attempts to bring the key back in its proper position.
If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, this means that the teeth are overly worn out and cannot effectively engage the wafers. If this is the case, a new key is required as soon as possible. This can be accomplished by taking the key stub to the dealership from which you bought your car, and request the VIN cut key that is exactly the same as the one you had previously. This is a lot easier and less expensive than trying to use your existing key to get back to normal.