Why Your Car Key May Not Turn

There are many possible reasons that your key isn't turning. Some fixes are easy, while others require more technical expertise or expert assistance.

AutoZone associates can replace the majority of traditional keys that do not have chips by choosing a matching 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 key will stop working at the most inconvenient times, such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk, while heading to the gym, or when you're heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the issue is due to a key fob battery, or a dead lock it is generally easy to fix and could save you the expense of a costly replacement.


The first step is to replace the battery on your key fob if it's not charging anymore. This is a good solution, especially in the event that your key fob is smashed often. If you're still having trouble making a quick visit to your local AutoZone can assist.

If you're driving a more modern 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 unique code when your key is was inserted into the ignition. This signal is read by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and begins your engine or rejects it and stops your car from starting.

You may be able reset the chip on your own by following the directions in the owner's manual. It may include closing and opening doors, turning on and off lights or electronics and pressing a set of buttons in a specific sequence. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but may require proof of ownership documents and a deposit.

Cylinder

The cylinder is a basic 3D shape in geometry. It's a shape with two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at a fixed distance from the center, called the height of the cylinder. Toilet rolls as well as cans of cold drinks, and LPG gas tanks are all examples of cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in many car engine components.

You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key is damaged. It's a relatively cheap repair that is usually feasible to carry out. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a brand new ignition lock from the local auto parts store and replace it in accordance with the directions in your owner’s manual. But, it's not always an easy task, and it's often easier to let a professional do it for you.

If your car keys aren't getting into the ignition or turning on the engine, the issue could be related to the cylinder or the battery. It is a good idea to change the battery on your key fob first. This could resolve the issue. The key fob you have is likely to get frequent use and is moved around a lot, so often it requires to be cleaned and reprogrammed for the car.

This is usually handled by locksmiths or your vehicle dealer, based on the model of vehicle you own. If you have an older model vehicle it is worth visiting an area hardware store that specialises in automotive keys or locks. A hardware store should be able to cut a standard key and provide you with an extra. However, the dealer may require your VIN number or proof ownership in order to design an alternative replacement.

Gear Selector

Over time, keys may be damaged. They can be jumbled in purses, drawers and pockets, and bent in difficult-to-access places. It is crucial to check the grooves of your key frequently to ensure they are clear and in good condition. If they aren't, the grooves will eventually get worn down making it difficult to insert or remove the key.

There are many things you can try to get your key off the ignition. Try using a spare to determine if the issue lies with the key or the ignition switch. Then, you can jiggle the key into and out of the ignition to ensure that it is align properly with the internal components.

A jamming of the key in the ignition cylinder could be caused by misaligned small tumblers within the cylinder. This could cause the pins not to drop properly, preventing the key from being inserted successfully. Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder could 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 tip of the ignition key with an hammer that is small. This can damage the ignition cylinder as well as the key. It is better to employ a tack hammer to knock the key down, however, be careful not to hit it too hard.

If you've tried all of these suggestions but are not able to get rid of your car key, it could be time to contact a professional. A professional locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the car ignition and remove your key.

Battery

The car key fob is an excellent tool that allows you to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, as with all things that rely on batteries, it eventually dies. It is easy to replace the batteries yourself and your key fob is like new.

First, you'll 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 that your vehicle uses. You can buy a replacement battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. You may need to disassemble your key fob to find the battery slot. It is crucial to use a soft tool, like a fingernail or screwdriver, to pry the fob open without creating internal damage.

Insert the new battery carefully into the slot after you have opened the keyfob. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery line to each other. The battery will not be able charge properly in the absence of this. Close the key fob once the battery has been installed.

Test your new key by pressing the button and pointing it towards the vehicle. Now it's time to hop in your car and enjoy your newly restored key. In a matter of minutes, life's interruptions won't be an issue because you'll be a master in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! And be sure to follow our blog for more information on how to fix your vehicle at home. If you are not ready yet, we can provide low-cost keyfob repairs.

Bent Key

The last thing you'd like to happen to your car key is for it to become bent in the lock or worse still, stuck inside. Luckily, this kind of key can usually be repaired. However in the event that the key is too far in and is unable to be removed by normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it.

The key could be worn out and not engage the lock wafers properly. car key repair near me may be a sign that you should replace the ignition cylinder, or just purchase a new one.

If the key is still capable of being inserted into the cylinder, but it's not aligned properly, you will need an hammer to flatten the key. Make sure you employ a soft-faced hammer so as not to damage the lock cylinder or key. Alternatively, you could utilize the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It may take several attempts to get the key back into the proper alignment.

If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, this indicates that the teeth are overly worn out and no longer engage the wafers correctly. In this instance, you will need an entirely new key as soon as you can. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealer where you bought your car, and soliciting the VIN cut key that is the exact identical to the old one. This is much simpler and cheaper than trying your current key to get back into shape.