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Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are a variety of reasons why your car key won't turn. Some fixes are easy to fix, while others require more technical knowledge or professional help. 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. This process typically takes just minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes, a car key will be inoperable at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading groceries into your trunk, on the way to the gym or home after an exhausting day. The good news is that when the problem is caused by your key fob battery or dead lock, it's 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 you should do is replace the battery. This is a viable option particularly when your key fob has been jostled a lot. If you still have problems it's worth a visit to your local AutoZone may be able to help. If you're driving a newer vehicle, it could have a transponder chip in the plastic head of your key. It is designed to be a better anti-theft device, these chips emit a unique code when your key is put into the ignition. This signal is then read by the vehicle's “immobilizer” which either accepts it and starts your engine, or rejects it and stops your car from getting started. Depending on your specific car depending on the model, you might be capable of resetting the chip on your own by following the steps in your owner's manual. It could include closing and opening doors or turning off lights or electronics and pressing a series of buttons in a certain sequence. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to change the keys in case you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can perform this, however they might require proof of ownership and a deposit. Cylinder The cylinder is among the most basic 3D shapes in geometry. It's a form with two circular bases that are connected by a curved surface that is a set distance from the center, referred to as the height of the cylinder. Toilet paper 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 components. It is also possible to replace the cylinder in case your key breaks. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can usually do yourself. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder from your local auto parts store and follow the steps in your owner's manual for how to replace it. However, it's not always a simple process and is often better to let a professional handle it for you. If your car keys aren't getting into the ignition or turning on the engine, the problem could be due to the cylinder or battery. The battery change on your key fob is among the first things you need to try, and it could solve the issue. Your key fob likely gets frequent use and is jostled around a lot, which is why sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed to your car. It is usually carried out by the car dealership or by a locksmith, depending on the type of vehicle you have. If you have an older model, you should consider visiting a local hardware store that specializes in automotive locks or keys. A hardware store will usually be capable of cutting a standard key and provide you with an additional. However, the dealer may require your VIN number or proof of ownership in order to create an alternative replacement. Gear Selector Over time, keys can become damaged. They can get tangled in purses, drawers and pockets, and even bent in difficult-to-access places. This is why it's important to check the grooves of your keys to ensure that they are clean and intact. If not, the grooves of the key will eventually wear away, making it difficult to insert and remove the key. There are several options you can use to free your key from the ignition. First try using an extra key to determine whether the issue is with the key itself or the ignition switch. Then, move the key into and out of the ignition to ensure that it is properly align with the internal components. A key jamming in the ignition cylinder could be caused by misaligned small tumblers inside the cylinder. This can cause the pins to not drop properly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder can aid in re-aligning these tumblers, so the key will be able to easily slide out of the ignition. Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key using the hammer of a small size. This could damage the ignition cylinder as well as the key. Make use of a tack-hammer instead a hammer, but don't hit it too hard. If you have tried all of these tips but still aren't able to get rid of your car keys, it might be time to call an expert. A certified locksmith or mechanic will be able to safely take apart the ignition and remove your key. Battery The car key fob is an excellent tool that allows you to lock and unlock your car. Unfortunately, it will eventually end up dying just like other devices that are powered by batteries. Luckily, car key fob repairs can replace the battery on your own and your key fob will be as great as new. You'll need to first locate the correct battery. The best place to begin is to read your owner's manual or asking a locksmith about the type of battery your vehicle uses. You can buy batteries at your local auto parts store or hardware store. You may also need to disassemble the fob that you have in order to locate the battery slot. If you do this, make sure you use a soft tool such as a screwdriver, or even your fingernail for prying open the fob, without causing internal damage. Place the battery carefully into the slot after you have opened the keyfob. Make sure that the positive and negative sides of the battery match to each other. The battery won't be able to charge properly in the absence of this. Once the battery is in place shut off the key fob and then snap it back together. Press the button on your new key and point it at the car. If everything functions as it should, it's time to hop in and take a look at your newly restored car key. In a matter of minutes interruptions in your life will be no problem because you'll be an expert in car key battery replacement. Good luck! And be sure to follow our blog for more advice on how to repair your vehicle at home. If you're not prepared yet, we can provide low-cost keyfob repairs. Bent Key The most undesirable thing that could happen with your car key is to have it get bent inside the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. Luckily, this kind of key can usually be fixed. However when the key is too deep and can no longer be removed using normal twisting, the only way to fix it is to replace it. Generally speaking, the issue with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is that it is excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers properly. This could mean that you require an entirely new ignition cylinder or a key. If the key can be inserted into the cylinder and turned but isn't aligned properly, then you will need to flatten it out with a hammer. Be sure to employ a soft-faced hammer so as not to damage the lock cylinder or the key. You can also utilize the flat end of a pair needle-nose pliers to bend it back to align. It could require a few tries to get the key back into alignment. If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, it indicates that the teeth are excessively worn and do not properly engage the wafers. In this instance you'll need a new key as soon as you can. You can do this by bringing the stub of your key back to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle from and requesting an VIN-cut key that's identical to the old key. This is much simpler and less expensive than attempting to change your current key to get back to normal.