Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are a variety of reasons why your car key won't turn Some are simple fixes while others require more technical knowledge or help from a professional AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys, without chip using a key blank that matches your existing key They then utilize a machine to duplicate the contours This service typically only takes a few minutes Ignition Socket Sometimes, a car's key will stop functioning at the worst moment For instance, if you are loading groceries into the trunk or on your way to the gym Or even when you are heading home from a long workday If the problem is caused by an unlocked deadlock or your key fob, it's typically simple to repair This can save you from having to purchase a brand new car The first step is to replace the battery on your key fob if it's not charging anymore This is a good solution, especially when your key fob has been tossed around often If you're still struggling making a quick visit to your local AutoZone will aid If you're driving a more modern vehicle it may contain a transponder chip inside the plastic head of your key These chips are designed to be more efficient anti-theft devices They emit unique code when your key is inserted in the ignition This signal is scanned by the vehicle's "immobilizer" which either accepts it and starts your engine or rejects it and prevents your vehicle from starting You may be able reset the chip yourself if you follow the instructions in the owner's manual It may require opening and closing doors or turning off lights or electronic devices and pressing a number of buttons in a specific order You can pay a locksmith manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it yourself Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but may require proof of ownership papers and an amount of money Cylinder The cylinder is among the most fundamental 3D geometric shapes It's a shape that has two circular bases joined by a curved area at an exact distance from the center, which is known as the height of the cylinder A few real-world examples of a cylindrical cylinder are toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders The cylinder is also used in the manufacture of car engine parts You might also have to replace the cylinder in case your key fails It's a fairly inexpensive repair, and is typically feasible to carry out If you're handy with a toolbox you can purchase a brand new ignition lock from the local auto parts shop and replace it according to the guidelines in the owner's manual It's not always an easy process and it's more convenient to let someone else do it If your car keys won't start the engine or enter the ignition it could be due to an issue with the cylinder or battery It is an ideal idea to try changing the battery on your key fob first This may fix the problem Your key fob is bound to be used a lot and tossed around, so it could require cleaning and changed It is usually carried out by a car dealership or a locksmith, depending on what type of vehicle you have If you have an older model car, it is worth visiting a local hardware shop that specializes in automotive keys or locks Hardware stores can typically cut the standard car key and provide an extra key, whereas the dealer will need your vehicle's VIN number or proof of ownership to create a replacement Gear Selector Over time keys are prone to a beating They get jumbled around in pockets, purses and drawers, and they may even be bent in an impossible-to-access area It is essential to examine the grooves of your key frequently to ensure they're clean and intact If they aren't the grooves on the key will eventually wear out, making it difficult to insert and remove the key If your key becomes stuck in the ignition there are different things you can do to help it out First try using a spare key to see whether the issue is related to the key itself or the ignition switch Then, move the key into and out of the ignition to help it properly align with the internal components Another possibility is that the key has become stuck in the ignition cylinder, that can happen when the tiny tumblers inside of the cylinder misalign This could cause the pins to not drop properly and block the key from being inserted or removed successfully Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder can assist in re-aligning these tumblers, so keys can be easily pulled out of the ignition Some recommend tapping the end of the ignition key with a small hammer This could damage the ignition cylinder and the key It's better to use a tackhammer to knock the key down, but be careful not to strike it too hard If you have tried all of these methods but are still unable remove your car keys, it might be time to call an expert A locksmith or mechanic who is certified will be able to disassemble the ignition and extract your key Battery The car key fob makes it easy to lock or unlock your vehicle Unfortunately, as with all things that are powered by batteries - it will eventually fail Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself and your key fob will be as excellent as new You'll first need to find the correct battery Begin by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle, or asking a local locksmith which kind of battery they use Then, buy a compatible replacement at an area hardware store or auto parts retailer You may need to disassemble the fob that you have to locate the battery slot It is essential to make use of a soft tool such as a fingernail or screwdriver, to pry the fob apart without creating internal damage Once https//pastelinknet/y4b20ypo have opened the key fob then carefully insert the new battery into the slot Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery line to each other Otherwise, the battery won't be able to charge properly Close the key fob after the battery has been installed Press the button on your new key and point it at the car If everything functions as it should then it's time to get in and enjoy your newly-restored car key You'll soon be a pro at changing the battery in your car key Good luck And be sure to follow our blog for more tips on how to fix your vehicle at home If you're still not ready to repair your key, we can help with low-cost key fob repair Bent Key The most undesirable thing that could happen with your car key is for it to become bent in the lock, or even worse, stuck inside This kind of key is usually repairable However, if the key is too deep and is unable to be removed with normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it The key may be worn out and unable to engage the lock wafers correctly This could mean that you require an entirely new ignition cylinder or a key If the key is able to be put into the cylinder but it's not aligned properly then you'll need an hammer to flatten it Make sure to use a hammer that is soft to avoid damaging the key or lock cylinder You could also utilize the flat end of pliers with needle-nosed tips to bend the key back into its proper alignment It may take several attempts to get the key in alignment If the key isn't able to be removed from the ignition cylinder it is a sign that the teeth have become overly worn and are not engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly In this case, you will need to replace your key as quickly as possible This can be done by taking the key stub to the dealership where you bought your car, and asking for a VIN cut key that is exactly same as the one you had previously This is much easier and less expensive than attempting to change your existing key to get back into shape