Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are many reasons your car key won't turn Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical expertise or assistance from a professional AutoZone associates can replace traditional keys, without chip by using a blank key that matches your existing key They then utilize a machine to duplicate the contours This process usually takes minutes Ignition Socket Sometimes, a car's key will stop working at the most inconvenient time For instance, when you are putting groceries in the trunk or rushing to the gym Or, perhaps, when you're returning home from a long workday If the problem is due to a deadlock or a key fob, it's generally simple to repair This could help you avoid having to buy a new vehicle If your key fob is not charging, the first thing you need to do is replace the battery This usually solves the issue particularly if you've been using it for a while and it's been jostled around a lot If you're still having issues then a visit to your local AutoZone could be able to help If you're driving a more modern vehicle it may have a transponder chip in the head of your key It is designed to be a more efficient anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code each time your key is put into the ignition This signal is then scanned and interpreted by the "immobilizer" that either accepts and starts your car's engine or denies it from beginning Depending on the specific model of your car, you may be capable of resetting the chip by following the directions in the owner's guide It is possible to open and close doors, switch on and off electronic devices or lights and press a series of buttons in a particular order 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 will also perform this, however they may require proof of ownership and a deposit Cylinder The cylinder is the most basic 3D geometric shape It's a shape with two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface at a fixed distance from the center, which is known as the height of the cylinder A few real-world examples of a cylindrical shape include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans, and LPG gas cylinders The cylinder can also be found in a variety of automobile engine parts You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key breaks This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you could do yourself If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a new ignition lock at your local auto parts shop and replace it in accordance with the directions in the owner's manual 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 aren't being inserted into the ignition or turning on the engine, it might be with the cylinder or the battery Changing the battery in your key fob is among the first things you should do, and it may solve the issue Your key fob is likely to see a lot of use and is tossed around a lot, so it may need to be cleaned and reprogrammed for the car This is usually done either by an auto dealership or a locksmith, depending on the type of vehicle you own If you have an older model vehicle, it is worth visiting the local hardware store that specialises in automotive keys or locks A hardware store should be capable of cutting a standard key and provide you with an additional However the dealer might require your VIN number or proof ownership to be able to make a new replacement Gear Selector Over time keys get beaten They can be jumbled in drawers, purses, and pockets, or bent in hard-to-reach places This is why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves of your key to ensure that they're clean and in good condition If they aren't then the grooves will eventually wear down making it difficult to insert or remove the key If your key becomes stuck in the ignition there are a couple of alternatives you can take to assist it First try using an extra key to determine if the problem is with 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 may be caused by misalignment of the small tumblers in the cylinder This can result in the pins failing to drop correctly, which can prevent the key from being inserted successfully Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder can aid in re-aligning the tumblers so that keys can be easily pulled out of the ignition Some people might suggest tapping the end of the key with the hammer when it's in the ignition, but this can cause damage to the key and the ignition cylinder It's better to use a tack hammer to knock the key down, but be careful not to strike it too hard If you have tried all of these tips but you are still unable to remove your car keys, it may be time to consult a professional A professional locksmith or mechanic will be able safely disassemble the ignition of your car and then remove the key Battery The car key fob is a convenient way to lock or unlock your car Unfortunately, just like all things that rely on batteries, it will eventually fail It is easy to replace the batteries yourself and your key fob is like new You'll first need to find the right battery The best way to begin is by reading the owner's manual or asking a locksmith about the type of battery that your vehicle uses You can purchase a replacement battery at your local auto parts store or hardware store You may also have to disassemble your key fob to locate the battery slot If you do, it is important that you make use of a soft tool, such as a screwdriver, or even your fingernail for prying open the fob without causing internal damage Insert the new battery carefully into the slot after you have opened the keyfob Make sure the positive and negative sides of the batteries are in sync Otherwise, the battery won't be able charge correctly Close the key fob once the battery is installed Test the new key by pressing the button and pointing it at your vehicle If everything functions as it should, it's time to hop in and take a look at your newly restored car key In no time interruptions in your life won't be an issue because you'll be a master at car key battery replacement Good luck Check out our blog for more information on how to fix your vehicle yourself If you're not ready yet, we can provide low-cost keyfob repairs Bent Key The last thing you would like to happen to your car key is for it to become bent in the lock or even worse, to become stuck inside This type of key is usually repairable However, if the key is too far in and cannot be removed with normal twisting, the only option is to replace it The most common issue with a key getting stuck in the ignition is that it is excessively worn and is not working properly with the lock wafers https//postheavennet/planecopy6/why-you-should-concentrate-on-improving-key-fob-repairs may be a sign that you must replace the ignition cylinder or just get a new key If the key is able to be inserted into the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, then you will need to flatten it out using the help of a hammer Make sure to employ a soft-faced hammer to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or the key You can also use the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment It could take several tries to get the key in the proper alignment If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition, it means that the teeth are overly worn out and cannot engage the wafers correctly If this is the case, a replacement key will be required immediately This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealership where you bought your car, and request a VIN cut key that is exactly same as the one you had previously This is a lot simpler and less expensive than trying bend your current key back to form