See What Car Key Repair Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing
Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are many reasons your car key won't turn. Some fixes are simple, while others require more technical knowledge or expert assistance.
AutoZone associates can replace traditional keys without a chip by using a blank key that matches your existing key. They then utilize a machine to duplicate the contours. The process usually takes just minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car's keys will stop working at the worst possible moment. For instance, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or rushing to the gym. Or, perhaps, when you are heading home from a long workday. The good news is that when the problem is caused by your key fob battery or a dead lock it is generally easy to repair and could help you save the expense of a costly replacement.
If your key fob is not keeping a charge The first thing to do is replace the battery. This is a viable option, especially in the event that your key fob has been jostled often. If you're still having issues, a quick visit to your local AutoZone might be able assist.
If you're driving a more modern vehicle, it could have a transponder chip in the plastic head of your key. It is designed to be a more effective anti-theft device they emit a unique code when the key is inserted into the ignition. The signal is then scanned by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and then starts the engine or denies it and prevents your car from getting started.
You may be able reset the chip yourself by following the directions in the owner's manual. It may include closing and opening doors as well as turning off and on lights or electronic devices and pressing a series of buttons in a certain order. You can pay a locksmith or manufacturer to change the keys in case you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but might require proof of ownership documents and the deposit.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a fundamental 3D shape in geometry. It's a form with two circular bases joined by a curved surface at a fixed distance from the center, called the height of the cylinder. 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 many car engine parts.
If a key is damaged it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair, and is typically possible to do yourself. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder at the local auto parts store and follow the instructions in your owner's manual to replace it. It's not always a simple process and it's better to let someone else take care of it.
If your car keys do not turn on the engine or go into the ignition it could be due to a problem with the battery or cylinder. The battery change on your key fob repair fob is one of the first things you should try, and it could fix the problem. Your key fob likely gets a lot of use and is moved around a lot, which is why often it requires to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your vehicle.
This is usually handled by a locksmith or your car key immobiliser repair dealership, depending on the type of car you own. If you own an older model, it's worth visiting a local hardware store that is specialized in keys or locks for automobiles. A hardware store can usually cut the standard car key button repair key and provide a spare, 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 purses, pockets and drawers, and could even be bent in a difficult-to-access location. That's why it's important to regularly check the grooves of your keys to ensure that they're in good shape and clean. If they aren't, the grooves will eventually wear down, making it difficult to insert or remove the key.
There are many things you can try to remove your key from the ignition. Try using a spare key to determine if the problem lies with the ignition switch or the key switch. Then, move your key into and out of the ignition to align it with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder, which can occur when small tumblers within the cylinder misalign. This can result in the pins failing to drop correctly, preventing the key from being successfully inserted. You can align the tumblers using the lock lubricant or graphite.
Finally, some people may suggest tapping the end of the key using an hammer while it's in the ignition, but this can cause damage to the key and the ignition cylinder. You can use a tack hammer instead of an hammer, but do not hit it too hard.
If you have tried all of these methods but are still unable 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 of your car and then remove the key.
Battery
The car key fob is a useful tool that makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, like most things that are powered by batteries - it eventually dies. Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as good as new.
You'll need to first locate the correct battery. Start by reading the owner's guide of your car key repairs near me or asking a local locksmith which kind of battery they use. You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. It is possible to disassemble your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to employ a soft tool, such as a fingernail, or screwdriver to force the fob open without damaging the internals.
The battery should be inserted carefully into the slot once you have opened the keyfob. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery match up with each other. Otherwise the battery won't be able charge properly. Close the key fob once the battery is installed.
Test your new key by pressing the button and then pointing it at your vehicle. It's time to hop in 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 to fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not quite ready to repair your key, we can help with affordable key fob repairs.
Bent Key
The last thing you want to occur 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 is not able to be removed with normal twisting, the only option is to replace it.
The most common issue with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is that it has become overly worn and isn't engaging the lock wafers correctly. This could mean that you require an entirely new ignition cylinder or a key.
If the key is still capable of being inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned in the right way it will require an hammer to flatten the key. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer in order to prevent damaging the lock cylinder or key. You can also make use of the flat end on a pair needle-nosed pliers to bend the key back into its proper alignment. It could take several tries to get the key back into alignment.
If the remote key fob repair near me 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 in a proper manner. If this is the case, a replacement Key Repair will be needed as soon as possible. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealership from which you bought your car and asking for a VIN cut key that is exactly the same as your old one. This is a lot simpler and cheaper than trying to bend your existing key back into shape.