Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are a variety of reasons that your key isn't turning. Some are easy fixes, while others require a bit more technical knowledge or help from a professional. AutoZone associates can replace traditional keys, without chip using a key blank that is a match to your existing key. They then use a machine to duplicate the contours. This service usually takes only minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the most inconvenient moment. For instance, if you are putting groceries in the trunk or on your way to the gym. Or, perhaps, when you are heading home after a long day at work. The good news is that if the issue is due to your key fob battery or dead lock it is usually very simple to fix and could save you the cost of an expensive replacement. The first step is to replace the battery in your key fob if it's no longer keeping a charge. This usually solves the issue, especially if you've had it for a while and it's been tossed around a lot. If you're still having issues it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone might be able help. If you're driving a brand newer vehicle it may contain a transponder in the head of your plastic key. These chips are designed to be more effective anti-theft devices. They emit unique codes when your key was inserted into the ignition. The signal is then read and interpreted by the immobilizer that either allows you to start the engine of your vehicle or denies it from beginning. Depending on Click At this website , you may be in a position to reset the chip on your own by following the steps in the owner's guide. It is possible to open and close doors, switch on and off electronic devices or lights and press a series buttons in a specific order. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it yourself. Some car dealerships will perform this task for you, but may require proof of ownership papers and the deposit. Cylinder The cylinder is a fundamental 3D shape in geometry. It's a shape with two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface that is a set distance from the center, which is known as the height of the cylinder. Toilet paper rolls, cans of cold drinks and LPG gas tanks are all examples of cylinders. The cylinder is also found in many car engine parts. If a key fails it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder, too. This is a relatively inexpensive repair, and it's usually feasible to carry out. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto parts store and follow the directions in the owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy task and is often better to have a professional take care of it for you. If your car keys are not getting into the ignition or starting the engine, the problem could be related to the cylinder or the battery. It is recommended to try changing the battery in your key fob first. This could resolve the issue. Your key fob is likely to be used a lot and tossed around, so it might require cleaning and changed. This is usually handled by locksmiths or your vehicle dealership, based on the type of car you own. If you own an older model, you should consider looking for a local hardware shop that specializes in automotive locks or keys. A hardware store can usually cut a standard car key and supply a spare, while the dealer will need the VIN number of your car or evidence of ownership in order to make the replacement. Gear Selector Over time, keys can be damaged. They are tossed around in purses, pockets and drawers, and can even be bent in a difficult-to-access area. It is crucial to check the grooves of your key frequently to ensure they are clear and in good condition. If not the grooves of the key will eventually wear out making it difficult to insert and remove the key. If your key is stuck in the ignition there are alternatives you can take to help it out. First try using a spare key to see if the problem is with the key itself or the ignition switch. Then, move the key in and out of the ignition to help it align properly with the internal components. A key jamming in the ignition cylinder can also be caused by misalignment of small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins to fall off incorrectly, which prevents the key from being inserted or removed successfully. You can adjust the tumblers with a lock lubricant, or graphite. Some people might suggest tapping the edge of the key with the hammer when it's in the ignition, but this could actually damage the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. It is better to use a tack hammer to knock the key off, but be cautious not to hit it too hard. If you've tried all of these methods but still aren't able to get rid of your car keys, it may be time to contact an expert. A qualified mechanic or locksmith will be able to safely take apart the ignition and remove your key. Battery The car key fob is a handy tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your car. However, it is likely to die like all things that are powered by batteries. It is easy to replace the batteries yourself, and your key fob will be just as good as new. You'll first need to find the right battery. The best place to start is by reading your owner's manual or asking an expert locksmith for the type of battery your vehicle utilizes. Then, buy the appropriate replacement from the local hardware store or auto parts retailer. You may also have to remove the fob that you have in order to locate the battery slot. If so it, it is essential that you use a soft tool such as a screwdriver or even your fingernail for prying open the fob without causing internal damage. Insert the new battery carefully into the slot once you have opened the keyfob. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery line up with each other. The battery won't be able charge properly in the absence of this. Close the key fob once the battery has been installed. Test the new key by pressing the button and then pointing it at your vehicle. Now it's time to step into your car and enjoy the newly restored key. You'll soon be an expert in replacing the car key battery. Good luck! Check out our blog for more information on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you're still not ready for a key replacement, we provide affordable key fob replacements. Bent Key The last thing you want to happen with your car key is that it gets bent in the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. This type of key can usually be repaired. However, if the key is too far in and cannot be removed using normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it. Generally, the problem with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is that it is excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers correctly. It could also be a sign that you should replace the ignition cylinder, or just get a new key. If the key is able to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned properly it will require an hammer to flatten the key. Make sure to employ a soft-faced hammer so as to not damage the lock cylinder or the key. You could also use the flat end on a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back into its proper alignment. It might require a few tries to bring the key back in its proper position. If the key is not able to be removed from the ignition cylinder it means that the teeth have become excessively worn and aren't engaging the wafers inside the lock in a proper manner. In this situation, you will need to replace your key as quickly as possible. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealer where you bought your car and soliciting a VIN cut key that is the exact same as the one you had previously. This is much easier and less expensive than trying to bend your current key back into shape.
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