Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many reasons your car keys won't turn. Some are easy fixes, while others require a bit more technical expertise or assistance from an expert.

AutoZone associates can substitute for most traditional keys that don't contain a chip by selecting the right key blank and using machines to replicate the contours of your existing key. This process typically takes just minutes.

Ignition Socket

Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the worst possible time. For example, when you are putting groceries in the trunk or rushing to the gym. Or, perhaps, when you are heading home from a long workday. If the issue is caused by a deadlock or a key fob, it's generally simple to fix. This can help you avoid having to purchase a brand new car.

The first thing you can try is to replace the battery in your key fob if it's no longer charging anymore. This is a great solution particularly when your key fob has been jostled a lot. If you're still having issues it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone could be able to help.

If you're driving a brand newer vehicle, it might contain a transponder chip inside the head of your key. It is designed to be a more effective anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code each time your key is put into the ignition. This signal is read by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and starts your engine, or rejects it and stops your car from starting.

You may be able reset the chip by yourself by following the directions in the owner's manual. It could include closing and opening doors or turning off lights or electronics and pressing a series of buttons in a particular sequence. If you're unable to accomplish this yourself, it's important to note that most locksmiths and manufacturers are able to reprogram these keys at a cost. Some car dealerships can also assist you in this process, but they might require proof of ownership and the deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is one of the most basic 3D shapes in geometry. It's a shape that has two circular bases connected with a curved surface at an undefined distance from the center. This is called the height of a Cylinder. A few real-world examples of a cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also found in many car engine components.

You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key is damaged. This is a simple repair that you can usually do yourself. If you're handy with a toolbox, you can purchase a brand new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto part store and follow the instructions in the owner's manual to replace it. It's not always a simple process and it's easier to let someone else handle it.

If your car keys do not turn on the engine or turn on the ignition it could be a problem with the battery or cylinder. It is recommended to test changing the battery on your key fob first. This could fix the issue. The key fob you have is likely to get frequent use and is moved around a lot, so sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your vehicle.

This is usually performed by a locksmith or your car dealer, based on the kind of key fob repair fob and inserted the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery line to each other. Otherwise, the battery will not be able to charge correctly. Close the key fob once the battery has been installed.

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 in and enjoy your newly-restored car key repair. In a matter of minutes interruptions to your day will not be a problem since you'll be a master in car key battery replacement. Good luck! Follow our blog to get more advice on how to fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not ready yet, we can provide low-cost keyfob repairs.

Bent Key

The most undesirable thing that could happen with your car key is that it gets bent in the lock, or even worse, gets stuck inside. Luckily, this type of key can be fixed. However when the key is too deep and is unable to be removed using normal twisting, the only solution is to replace it.

Generally, the problem with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become overly worn and isn't engaging the lock wafers properly. This could mean that you need a new ignition cylinder, or a key.

If the key can still be inserted in the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, you'll need to flatten it out with an Hammer. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to avoid damaging the lock's cylinder or key. You could also make use of the flat end on a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It could take several tries to get the key back into alignment.

If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition cylinder it could be that the teeth have become excessively worn and are not engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly. If this is the case, a new key will be needed as soon as is possible. You can do this by bringing the key stub back to the dealership where you purchased your car from and asking for a VIN-cut key that is identical to your old key. This is much simpler and less expensive than trying to use your current key to get back into shape.