Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a myriad of possible reasons for why your key won't turn. Some fixes are easy, while others require more technical expertise or professional help.
AutoZone associates can substitute for most traditional keys that do not have a chip by selecting the right key blank and using machines to replicate the contours of your current key. This service typically only 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 a long day. The good news is that if the problem is caused by your key fob battery or dead lock, it's generally easy to solve and may save you the cost of an expensive replacement.
The first thing to try is replacing the battery in your key fob in case it's not keeping a charge. This is a viable option, especially in the event that your key fob has been jostled frequently. If you're still having trouble making a quick visit to your local AutoZone could assist.
If you're driving a newer vehicle, it might contain a transponder in the head of your key. It is designed to be a more efficient anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code when your key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read and processed by the "immobilizer", which either accepts and starts your car's engine or blocks it from starting.
Based on the model of your vehicle, you may be able to reset the chip yourself by following the steps in the owner's manual. It is possible to open and close doors, switch on and off electronics or lights and press a series of buttons in a certain order. You can pay a locksmith or manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can perform this, however they may require proof of ownership and an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is among the most basic 3D shapes in geometry. It's a form that has two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at an exact distance from the center. This is known as the height of the cylindrical. Toilet 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 car engine parts.
If a key is damaged, you may need to replace the cylinder as well. This is a simple repair that you can typically do yourself. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder from the local auto parts store and follow the steps in your owner's manual to replace it. However, it's not always an easy process, and it's often easier to let a professional handle it for you.
If your car keys are not getting into the ignition or starting the engine, the issue could be related to the cylinder or battery. Changing the battery on your key fob is one of the first things you need to try, and it might fix the problem. Your key fob likely gets lots of use and is moved around a lot, which is why sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for the car.
This is usually handled by locksmiths or your vehicle dealer, based on the model of car you have. If you have an older model car It is recommended to visit an area hardware store that specialises in automotive keys or locks. The hardware store will typically be able to cut a standard key and provide you with an additional. However, the dealer may require the VIN number of your vehicle or proof of ownership in order to design the replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time, keys can become damaged over time. They can be jumbled in purses, drawers and pockets, and bent in hard-to-reach places. That's why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your key to ensure that they're clean and in good condition. If they aren't, the grooves of the key will eventually wear away making it difficult to insert and remove the key.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, there are a few alternatives you can take to assist it. Try using a spare key to determine if the problem lies with the the ignition switch. Then, you can jiggle the key in and out of the ignition to allow it to properly align with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key is jammed in the ignition cylinder which could happen when the small tumblers inside the cylinder are not aligned. This could result in the pins failing to drop correctly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. g28carkeys.co.uk can re-align the tumblers by using a lock lubricant, or graphite.
Some people might suggest tapping the end of the key with a hammer while it is in the ignition, but this could actually damage the key and the cylinder of ignition. Use a tack-hammer instead of a hammer, but don't hit it too hard.
If you've tried these suggestions but you are still unable to remove your car keys, it could be time to contact an expert. A certified locksmith or mechanic 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 vehicle. Unfortunately, like most things that rely on batteries, it eventually dies. 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. The best place to start is to read your owner's manual or talking to locksmiths about the kind 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 disassemble the fob that you have in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to employ a soft tool, like a fingernail or screwdriver to open the fob open without causing internal damage.
Once 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 match to each other. The battery won't be able charge properly if you don't make this a priority. Close the key fob once the battery is installed.
Test out your new key by pressing the button and pointing it towards the vehicle. It's now time to get in your vehicle and enjoy the newly restored key. In a matter of minutes interruptions in your life won't be an issue because you'll be an expert in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! Make sure you follow our blog for more tips on how you can fix your vehicle at home. If you're not quite ready for a key replacement, we provide low-cost key fob repair.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to happen with your car key is for it to become bent in the lock or worse, it gets stuck inside. This type of key is usually repaired. If the key is stuck too far and cannot be removed by normal twisting, then the only option is to replace it.
The key may be worn out and not engage the lock wafers correctly. It could also be a sign that you must replace the ignition cylinder, or just get a new key.
If the key is still able to be put into the cylinder but it's not aligned properly then you'll need an hammer to flatten the key. Make sure to use a hammer that is soft to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or the key. You could also make use of the flat end on a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It may take a few attempts to get the key back in its proper position.
If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder it could be that the teeth have become overly worn and aren't connecting the wafers in the lock in a proper manner. In this instance you'll require an entirely new key as soon as you can. This can be done by taking the stub of your key to the dealer where you bought your car, and request a VIN cut key that is the exact identical to the old one. This is a lot easier and less expensive than trying bend your current key back to form.