Find Out What Car Key Repair Tricks Celebs Are Making Use Of
Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are a myriad of possible reasons for why your key won't turn. Some are simple fixes while others require some technical knowledge or help from a professional.
AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys without chip by using a blank key that is identical to your current key. They then use a machine to duplicate the contours. car key repair shops near me takes a few minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car's keys will stop functioning at the worst moment. For instance, if you are putting groceries in the trunk or on your way to the gym. Or even when you are heading home from a long workday. The good news is that when the problem is due to your key fob battery or dead lock it is generally easy to solve and may save you the expense of a costly replacement.
The first thing to try is to replace the battery on your key fob if it's no longer holding a charge anymore. This usually solves the issue particularly if you've been using it for a while, and it's been tossed around a lot. If you still have problems then a visit to your local AutoZone might be able assist.
Transponder chips can be found in the head of plastic on your key if you drive an older model car. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit unique codes when your key inserts into the ignition. This signal is then scanned and interpreted by the "immobilizer" which either accepts and starts your car's engine, or rejects and prevents it from beginning.
Based on the model of your vehicle You may be able to reset the chip yourself by following the directions in your owner's manual. It may involve closing and opening doors as well as turning off and on lights or electronics, and pressing a number of buttons in a specific order. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can do this, but they might require proof of ownership as well as a deposit.
Cylinder
The cylinder is a basic 3D geometric shape. It's a shape with two circular bases connected by a curved surface that is a set distance from the center, referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet rolls, cans of cold drinks, and LPG gas tanks are just a few examples of cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of car engine components.
If a key is damaged it is possible to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair that is usually feasible to perform it yourself. If you're handy with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder from your local auto parts store and follow the directions in your owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy task and it's usually better to have a professional take care of it for you.
If your car keys won't turn on the engine or enter the ignition, it could be a problem with the cylinder or battery. The battery change on your key fob is one of the first things you need to try, and it might solve the issue. The key fob you have is likely to get lots of use and is jostled around a lot, and often it requires to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your car.
This is usually performed by a locksmith or your car dealership, depending on the kind of car you have. If you have an older model, you should consider visiting a local hardware store that is specialized in keys for automotive locks. A hardware store can usually cut a standard car key and supply an extra key, whereas the dealer will require your vehicle's VIN number or proof of ownership to make an alternative.
Gear Selector
Over time, our keys get beaten. They can get tangled in drawers, purses, and pockets, and bent in hard-to-reach places. It is crucial to check the grooves on your key regularly to ensure that they are well-maintained and clean. If not the grooves of the key will eventually wear out and make it difficult to remove and insert the key.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition there are a couple of alternatives you can take to aid in removing it. Try using a spare to determine if the issue is with the the ignition switch. Then, move the key in and out of the ignition to help it properly align with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key is jammed in the ignition cylinder which can occur when small tumblers inside of the cylinder do not align. This could cause the pins to fall off incorrectly, which prevents the key from being inserted or removed successfully. You can re-align the tumblers using a lock lubricant, or graphite.
Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key with an hammer that is small. This can damage the ignition cylinder as well as the key. It's better to employ a tack hammer to knock the key, however, be careful not to hit it too hard.
If you've tried all these methods but you're still unable to remove your car key, it could be time to consult an expert. A certified locksmith or mechanic will be able to disassemble the ignition and extract your key.
Battery
The car key fob is a convenient way to lock or unlock your car. Unfortunately, like most things that run on batteries - it will eventually die. It is easy to replace the batteries yourself, and your key fob is just as good as new.
The first step is to locate the correct battery. The best place to begin is to read your owner's manual or talking to a locksmith about the type of battery that your vehicle uses. You can purchase an alternative battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may also have to take apart your key fob to locate the battery slot. It is important to employ a soft tool, such as a fingernail or screwdriver, to pry the fob open without causing internal damage.
After you have opened the key fob and inserted the new battery into the slot. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery match up with each other. The battery will not be able to charge properly if you don't do this. Close the key fob once the battery has been installed.
Press the button on your new key and point it at the car. If everything works as it should you can hop in and take a look at your newly restored car key. You'll soon be an expert in replacing the car key battery. Good luck! Check out our blog for more advice on how to fix your vehicle yourself. If you're still not ready to repair your key, we can help with affordable key fob replacements.
Bent Key
The last thing you would wish to happen to your car key is for it to get bent in the lock or worse still, stuck inside. This kind of key can usually be repaired. However in the event that the key is too far in and cannot be removed using normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it.
The most common issue with a key that gets stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become overly worn and is no longer working properly with the lock wafers. It could also be a sign that you need to replace the ignition cylinder or just get a new key.
If the key is in a position to be placed into the cylinder but it's not aligned properly then you'll need a hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging tool to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or key. Alternately, you can make use of the flat end of a pair needle-nose pliers to bend it back into alignment. It might require a few tries to bring the key back into alignment.
If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder, it could be that the teeth have become overly worn and are no longer connecting the wafers in the lock correctly. In this situation you'll require an entirely new key as soon as you can. This can be accomplished by taking the key stub to the dealer where you purchased your car and request the VIN cut key that is exactly same as your old one. This is a lot easier and less expensive than trying to use the key you have already got back to normal.