Car Key Repair Tips From The Top In The Industry

Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many reasons why your car key won't turn. Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical knowledge or assistance from a professional.

AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that don't have a chip by selecting the right key blank and using an instrument to replicate the contours of your existing key. This service usually takes only minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, a car's key will not work at the most unavoidable times - for instance, when you're putting groceries into your trunk on the way to the gym, or when you're heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that when the problem is due to your key fob battery or a dead lock it is usually very simple to solve and may save you the expense of a costly replacement.

If your key fob is not keeping a charge the first thing you need to do is replace the battery. This usually solves the issue, especially if you've had it for a while, and it's been jostled around a lot. If you're still having trouble taking a trip to your local AutoZone can help.

If you're driving a newer vehicle, it might contain a transponder chip inside the head of your plastic key. These chips are designed to be more effective anti-theft devices. They emit a unique code when your key is inserts into the ignition. This signal is then detected by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and begins your engine or rejects it and prevents your vehicle from starting.

Depending on the specific model of your car, you may be capable of resetting the chip by following the instructions in the owner's guide. It may require closing and opening doors, turning on and off lights or electronics, and pressing a set of buttons in a specific order. You can pay a locksmith manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships can also do this for you but may require proof of ownership papers and a deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is among the most fundamental 3D shapes 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, called the height of the cylinder. Toilet 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's possible that you need to replace the cylinder as well. This is a simple repair that you can usually do yourself. If you are adept with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock at the local auto parts store and then replace it in accordance with the directions in your owner’s manual. It's not always an easy process and it's easier to let someone else take care of it.

If your car keys don't turn on the engine or go into the ignition it could be a problem with the cylinder or battery. Change the battery on your key fob is among the first things to do, and it may fix the problem. The key fob you have is likely to get lots of use and is moved around a lot, so sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your car.

This is usually done by a locksmith or your car dealership, depending on the model of vehicle you own. If you have an older model, you should consider trying a local hardware store that is specialized in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut the standard car key and give you an alternative, while the dealer will need your vehicle's VIN number or evidence of ownership in order to make the replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time, keys may be damaged. They can get tangled in drawers, purses, and pockets, and even bent in difficult-to-access places. That's why it is so important to regularly check the grooves on your key to ensure that they are clean and intact. If they're not, the grooves will eventually wear down making it difficult to insert or remove the key.

There are several ways you can remove your key from the ignition. First, try using an extra key to determine whether the issue is related to the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your key in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.

A key jamming in the ignition cylinder can also be caused by misalignment of the small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins to not drop correctly, preventing the key from being inserted successfully. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder may assist in re-aligning the tumblers so that the key will be able to easily slide out of the ignition.

Some people suggest that you tap the end of the ignition key using the hammer of a small size. This could cause damage to the ignition cylinder and the key. You can use a tack hammer instead of an hammer, but do not hit it too hard.

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

Battery

The car key fob makes it simple to lock or unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, like most things that are powered by batteries - it eventually dies. Fortunately, you can replace the battery yourself and your key fob will be as great as new.

First, you'll need to locate the correct battery. Start by reading the owner's guide of your vehicle or asking a locksmith in your area which kind of battery it is. Then, you can purchase a compatible replacement at a local hardware store or auto parts retailer. You may have to take apart your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is essential to use a soft tool, such as a fingernail or screwdriver to force the fob apart without creating internal damage.

Place the battery carefully into the slot once you have opened the keyfob. Make sure  key repair near me  and the negative sides of the batteries are in sync. Otherwise, the battery will not be able to charge properly. Once the battery is installed, close the key fob and snap it back together.

Press the button on your new key and point it towards the car. If everything functions just as it should, it's time to hop into your freshly restored car key. In no time, life's interruptions won't be an issue because you'll be a pro in car key battery replacement. Good luck! Check out our blog for more information on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not quite ready, we offer affordable key fob repairs.

Bent Key

The final thing you want to happen to your car key is for it to become bent inside the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. This type of key is usually repaired. However when the key is too far into and can no longer be removed using normal twisting, the only option is to replace it.

The key might be worn out and unable to engage the lock wafers correctly. This could also mean you need an entirely new ignition cylinder or the key.

If the key is still in a position to be inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned in the right way it will require a hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer in order to prevent damaging the lock cylinder or key. You could also make use of the flat end on needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back to align. It could take a few attempts to get the key back into alignment.

If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, it means that the teeth are terribly worn out and no longer properly engage the wafers. In this instance, you will need an entirely new key as soon as you can. You can do this by bringing the key stub back to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle from and asking for an VIN-cut key that's identical to your old key. This is much simpler and cheaper than trying the key you have already got back to normal.