Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are a variety of reasons why your car keys won't turn. Some are simple fixes and others require a bit more technical expertise or assistance from a professional.

AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that don't have chips by choosing an identical key blank and using machines to replicate the contours of your existing mobile key fob repair. This service usually takes only minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car's key will be inoperable at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk, while heading to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the problem is due to a key fob battery or dead lock it is generally easy to repair and could help you save the cost of an expensive replacement.

If your key fob isn't charging the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This is a good solution particularly if your key fob has been tossed around a lot. If you still have problems it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone might be able help.

If you're driving a brand newer vehicle, it could contain a transponder chip inside the plastic head of your key. The idea behind it is to be a more efficient anti-theft device they emit a unique number of codes when your key is put into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and then starts your engine, or rejects it and prevents your vehicle from getting started.

Based on the model of your vehicle You may be capable of resetting the chip on your own by following the instructions in the owner's guide. It may require opening and closing doors, turning on and off lights or electronics, and pressing a set of buttons in a particular order. If you're not able to do this by yourself, you need to know that locksmiths and manufacturers are able to modify the keys for a small fee. Some car dealerships can do this, but they might require proof of ownership and a deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is a basic 3D geometry shape. It's a shape with two circular bases joined by a curved surface, at a fixed distance away from the center. This is known as the height of a cylinder. Examples of real-world cylindrical cylinder are toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also commonly used in the manufacture of car engine components.

When a key breaks, you may need to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair, and is typically feasible to carry out. If you're handy with a toolbox, you can purchase a brand new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto parts store and follow the directions in your owner's manual to replace it. However, it's not always an easy task and mobile Key fob repair is often better to have a professional take care of it for you.

If your car keys are not entering the ignition or starting the engine, it could be related to the cylinder or battery. It is recommended to change the battery on your key fob first. This may fix the issue. The key fob you have is likely to get lots of use and is tossed around a lot, and sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your car.

This is usually handled by a locksmith or your car dealership, depending on the type of car you have. If you have an older model, you should consider visiting a local hardware store that has a specialization in keys for automotive locks. A hardware store will typically cut the standard car key and supply an extra key, whereas the dealer will need the VIN number of your car or proof of ownership to make the replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time keys take a beating. They can be jumbled in purses, drawers and pockets, and bent in difficult-to-access places. That's why it's important to regularly check the grooves of your key to ensure that they are clean and intact. If they aren't, the grooves will eventually wear down and make 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. Try using a spare key to determine if the issue is with the ignition switch or the key switch. Then, jiggle your keys in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.

A key jamming in the ignition cylinder could be caused by misaligned small tumblers inside the cylinder. This could cause the pins to fall off incorrectly and prevent the key from being inserted or removed successfully. You can align the tumblers by using the lock lubricant or graphite.

Some people suggest tapping the end of the ignition key using a small hammer. This can damage the ignition cylinder as well as the key. Make use of a tack-hammer instead the hammer, but be careful not to hit it too hard.

If you've tried these methods but you're still unable to get rid of your car key, it could be time to contact an expert. A qualified mechanic or locksmith can safely remove the ignition and retrieve your key.

Battery

The car key fob is an excellent tool that makes it simple to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, like most things that rely on batteries, it will eventually fail. Fortunately, you can replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as excellent as new.

You'll first need to find the right battery. The best way to begin is by reading the owner's manual, or speaking with a locksmith about the type of battery your vehicle utilizes. Then, you can purchase the appropriate replacement from a local hardware store or auto parts retailer. You may also have to take apart your key fob to locate the battery slot. If you do it, it is essential that you employ a soft tool such as a screwdriver or even your fingernail to push open the fob without causing any internal damage.

Once you have opened the key fob and inserted the new battery into the slot. Make sure the positive and negative sides of the batteries are aligned. Otherwise the battery won't be able charge correctly. Once the battery is in place, close the key fob and then snap it back together.

Press the button on your new key and point it at the car. Now it's time to hop in your car and enjoy your newly restored key. You'll soon be a pro in changing the battery in your car key. Good luck! Check out our blog for more tips on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you are not ready yet, we can help you with low-cost keyfob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you want to happen to your car key is that it gets bent in the lock or even worse, stuck inside. This type of key is usually repaired. However in the event that the key is too far into and is unable to be removed with normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it.

The key could be worn out and not engage the lock wafers correctly. This could mean that you need an entirely new ignition cylinder or an ignition key.

If the key can be inserted in the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned correctly, then you'll need to flatten it out with the help of a hammer. Be sure to employ a soft-faced hammer so as not to damage the lock cylinder or the key. You can also make use of the flat end on pliers with needle-nosed tips to bend the key back into its proper alignment. It could take several tries to get the key back into the right position.

If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder, it means that the teeth have become overly worn and are no longer engaging the wafers inside the lock in a proper manner. In this case, you will 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 request the VIN cut mobile key fob repair that is exactly identical to the old one. This is much easier and less expensive than attempting to change your current key to get back into shape.