Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many reasons your car key won't turn. Some are simple fixes and others require some technical expertise or assistance from an expert.

AutoZone associates can substitute for most traditional keys that do not have chip by choosing an identical key blank and utilizing machines to replicate the contours of your current key. The process usually takes just minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car's key will stop working at the worst possible moment. For instance, if you are putting groceries in the trunk or rushing to the gym. Even when you're returning home from a long workday. The good news is that when the problem is due to a key fob battery, or a dead lock it is generally easy to solve and autogenmotors.com may save you the cost of an expensive replacement.

If your key fob is not charging, the first thing you should do is replace the battery. This usually solves the issue particularly if you've had it for a while and it's 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 may be embedded inside the head of plastic on your key if you own an older model vehicle. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit unique code each time your key is was inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and starts your engine or rejects it and stops your vehicle from getting started.

Based on the model of your vehicle depending on the model, you might be able to reset the chip yourself by following the steps in the owner's guide. You may need to open and close doors, turn on and off electronics or lights, and press series buttons in a specific order. If you're unable to do this on your own, it's important to note that most locksmiths and the manufacturer can reprogram these keys at a cost. Some car dealerships will also perform this, however they might require proof of ownership as well as a deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is a fundamental 3D geometry shape. It's a shape with two circular bases joined by a curved surface that is a set distance from the center, which is known as the height of the cylinder. A few real-world examples of a cylindrical cylinder are toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans and www.g28carkeys.co.uk LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of car engine components.

If a key fails, you may need to replace the cylinder as well. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can usually do yourself. If you are skilled with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock at your local auto parts store and replace it in accordance with the directions in your owner’s manual. It's not always an easy task and it's more convenient to let someone else take care of it.

If your car keys aren't being inserted into the ignition or turning on the engine, the problem might be with the cylinder or battery. It is a good idea to test changing the battery of your key fob first. This may fix the problem. Your key fob will be used a lot and tossed around, so it could need to be cleaned and reprogrammed.

This is usually done by locksmiths or your car dealer, based on the type of car you have. If you own an older model vehicle it is worth visiting the local hardware store that specialises in automotive keys repair or locks. A hardware store can usually cut a standard car key and give you an alternative, while the dealer will require the VIN number of your vehicle or proof of ownership to create the replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time keys take a beating. They are tossed around in purses, pockets and drawers, and they may even be bent in an impossible-to-access place. That's why it's important to check the grooves on your key to make sure they're in good shape and clean. If not, the grooves of the key will eventually wear out and make it difficult to remove and insert the key.

If your key is stuck in the ignition there are a couple of options to assist it. Try using a spare key to determine if the problem lies 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 inside the ignition cylinder could be caused by misalignment of small tumblers in the cylinder. This can cause the pins not to drop correctly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. You can align the tumblers with a lock lubricant, or graphite.

Some people might suggest tapping the end of the key using an hammer while it's in the ignition, but this can actually damage the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. It's better to use a tack hammer to knock the key, however, be careful not to hit it too hard.

If you've tried all these methods but you're still unable to remove your car key, it might be time to call an expert. A locksmith or mechanic who is certified will be able to safely disassemble the ignition and extract your key.

Battery

The car key fob makes it simple to lock or unlock your car. However, it will eventually go out of service, just like everything else that are powered by batteries. You can easily replace the batteries yourself, and your key fob will be as good as new.

You'll need to first 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 car utilizes. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts store or hardware store. It is also possible to take apart your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to make use of a soft tool such as a fingernail or screwdriver, to pry the fob open without damaging the internals.

Place the battery carefully into the slot once you have opened the keyfob. Make sure the positive and the negative sides of the batteries are aligned. The battery will not be able charge properly if you don't make this a priority. Once the battery is in place close the key fob, then snap it back to its original position.

Test your new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle. If everything is working just as it should, it's time to hop in and enjoy your newly-restored car key. You'll soon be a pro at replacing the battery of your car key. Good luck! Check out our blog for more tips on how to fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not ready yet, we can help you with low-cost keyfob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you would like to happen to your car key is for it to get bent inside the lock, or worse, get stuck inside. Luckily, this type of key can be repaired. If the key is stuck too long and is not able to be removed with normal twisting, the only option is replacing it.

The key may be too worn out to connect the lock wafers in a proper. This could also mean you need a new ignition cylinder, or an ignition key.

If the key is able to be inserted in the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, then you will need to flatten it with an hammer. Make sure to use a soft-faced hammer to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or key. Alternately, you can utilize the flat end of a pair needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It might require a few tries to bring the key back into the proper alignment.

If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition, it indicates that the teeth are terribly worn out and cannot properly engage the wafers. If this is the case, a replacement key will be needed as soon as is possible. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealership from which you bought your car, and request an VIN cut key that is the exact same as the one you had previously. This is much simpler and cheaper than trying your current key to get back in shape.