Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many reasons your car key may not turn. Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical expertise or assistance from a professional.

AutoZone associates can replace most traditional keys that do not have a chip by selecting a matching key blank and utilizing an instrument to replicate the contours of your existing key. The process typically takes minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car key will stop working at the most inconvenient times, for instance, when you're putting groceries into your trunk, on your way to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. If the issue is caused by an unlocked deadlock or your key fob, it's generally simple to solve. This can help you avoid having to buy a new vehicle.

If your key fob isn't keeping a charge the first thing you need to do is replace the battery. This is a good solution particularly in the event that your remote key fob repair (zzb.bz's website) fob has been tossed around a lot. If you're still having issues taking a trip to your local AutoZone could help.

Transponder chips can be found in the head of plastic on your key if driving a more modern car. These chips are designed to be more efficient anti-theft devices. They emit a 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 begins your engine or rejects it and stops your vehicle from beginning.

It is possible to reset the chip by yourself by following the directions in the owner's manual. It is possible to open and close doors, switch on and off electronic devices or lights, and press series buttons in a specific order. You can pay a locksmith or manufacturer to change the keys in case you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships will perform this task for you, but might require proof of ownership documents and an amount of money.

Cylinder

The cylinder is the most basic 3D geometric shape. It's a shape with two circular bases joined by an elongated surface, which is an undefined distance from the center. This is referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet paper rolls, cans of cold drinks, and LPG gas tanks are all examples of cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in many car engine parts.

When a key breaks it is possible to replace the cylinder too. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can typically do yourself. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions in your owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy task and it's easier to let someone else take care of it.

If your car keys won't turn on the engine or enter the ignition, it could be a problem with the cylinder or battery. Change the battery inside your key fob is one of the first things to try, remote key fob repair and it might solve the issue. Your key fob likely gets frequent use and is jostled around a lot, so it may need to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your car.

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

Gear Selector

Over time keys take a beating. They get jumbled around in pockets, purses and drawers, and they can even be bent in a hard-to-reach place. It is crucial to check the grooves of your key frequently to ensure they are clean and intact. If they aren't then the grooves will eventually wear down and make it difficult to insert or remove the key.

If your key is stuck in the ignition there are a couple of different things you can do to help it out. Try using a spare key to determine if the problem lies with the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your key in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.

Another possibility is that the key has become stuck in the ignition cylinder that can happen when the tiny tumblers inside the cylinder are not aligned. This could cause the pins to not drop properly and prevent the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder may aid in re-aligning the tumblers so that the key will be able to easily slide out of the ignition.

Some people might suggest tapping the edge of the key using the hammer when it's in the ignition, but this could end up damaging the key as well as the cylinder of ignition. Use a tack-hammer instead of an hammer, but do not hit it too hard.

If you've tried these methods but you're still unable to get rid of your car key, it may be time to call a professional. A certified locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the car ignition and remove your key.

Battery

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

The first step is to locate the correct battery. Begin by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle, or asking a locksmith at your local store which kind of battery it uses. You can buy an alternative battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may also need to take apart the fob that you have in order to locate the battery slot. If you do, it is important that you use a soft tool like a screwdriver or even your fingernail for prying open the fob without causing internal damage.

Once you have opened the key fob and inserted the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery match up. The battery will not be able charge properly in the absence of this. Close the key fob after the battery is installed.

Press the button on your new key and point it at the car. If everything is working as it should you can hop in and take a look at your newly restored car key. In a matter of minutes, life's interruptions will not be a problem since you'll be a master at car key battery replacement. Good luck! Follow our blog to get more tips on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not prepared yet, we can help you with affordable keyfob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you want to happen to your car key is to have it get bent in the lock, or even worse, stuck inside. Luckily, this kind of key can usually be fixed. If the key is stuck too far and cannot be removed by normal twisting, then the only option is replacing it.

Generally speaking, the 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 properly. It may be an indication that you must replace the ignition cylinder, or just get a new key.

If the key is able to be inserted into the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, you'll have to flatten it out using an hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder or key. Alternately, you can utilize the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the mobile key repair back into alignment. It may take several attempts to get the key in alignment.

If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder it is a sign that the teeth have become excessively worn and are not connecting the wafers in the lock correctly. In this situation you'll require a new key as soon as you can. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealership where you bought your car and request an VIN cut key that is exactly identical to the old one. This is much simpler and less expensive than attempting to change your existing key to get back to normal.