10 Unexpected Car Key Repair Tips
Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are a variety of reasons why your car keys won't turn. Some fixes are easy, while others require more technical expertise or assistance from a professional. AutoZone associates are able to replace traditional keys without chip by using a blank key that is a match to your existing key. They then use a machine duplicate the contours. The process usually takes just minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the most inconvenient moment. For instance, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or on your way to the gym. Or even when you're heading home after a long day at work. If the problem is due to a deadlock or a key fob, it's usually simple to solve. This could help you avoid having to purchase a brand new car. The first thing you can try is to replace the battery on your key fob in case it's not keeping a charge. This is a good solution particularly if your key fob has been tossed around often. If you still have problems then a visit to your local AutoZone could be able to assist. If you're driving a brand newer vehicle, it might contain a transponder in the plastic head of your key. These chips are designed to be more effective anti-theft devices. They emit unique codes when your key inserted in the ignition. The signal is then scanned and interpreted by the “immobilizer” which either accepts and starts your car's engine or denies it from beginning. Depending on your specific car depending on the model, you might be able to reset the chip yourself by following the directions in your owner's manual. It could involve opening and closing doors, turning on and off lights or electronic devices and pressing a set of buttons in a specific sequence. You can pay a locksmith manufacturer to change the keys in case you are unable to do it yourself. Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but might require proof of ownership papers 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 away from the center. This is called the height of a Cylinder. Examples of real-world cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also commonly used in car engine components. When a key breaks it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder too. This is a relatively inexpensive repair, and it's usually possible to do 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 steps in the owner's manual to replace it. However, it's not always a simple process, and it's often easier 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, the problem could be due to the cylinder or battery. Change the battery in your key fob is one of the first things you should do, and it may fix the problem. Your key fob is bound to be used a lot and bumped around, which means it may require cleaning and reprogrammed. This is usually done either by the car dealership or by a locksmith, based on the kind of vehicle you have. If you have an older model, it's worth visiting a local hardware store that has a specialization in keys for automotive locks. Hardware stores can typically cut a standard car key and provide an extra key, whereas the dealer will need the VIN number of your car or evidence of ownership in order to make the replacement. Gear Selector Over time keys are prone to a beating. They are tossed around in pockets, purses and drawers, and could even be bent in a hard-to-reach location. That's why it is so important to regularly check the grooves of your key to make sure they're in good shape 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 different things you can do to aid in removing it. First, try using a spare key to see whether the issue is with the key itself 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 small tumblers within the cylinder. This could cause the pins not to drop correctly, preventing the key from being properly inserted. You can re-align the tumblers using an oil for locks, or graphite. Some recommend tapping the end of the ignition key with a small hammer. This can damage the ignition cylinder and the key. It is better to use a tack hammer to knock the key off, however, be careful not to strike it too hard. If you've tried all these tips and are still unable to remove your car key, it could be time to contact a professional. A certified locksmith or mechanic will be able to remove the ignition and retrieve your key. Battery The car key fob is a handy tool that makes it simple to lock and unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, key fob repair near me will eventually die like all things that are powered by batteries. Fortunately, you can replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as great as new. First, you'll need to locate the correct battery. Start by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle or asking a locksmith in your area which type of battery they use. You can purchase batteries at your local auto parts store or hardware store. You may have to take apart your key fob in order to locate the battery slot. It is important to make use of a soft tool like a fingernail or screwdriver to open the fob apart without creating 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 up. Otherwise, the battery will not be able to charge correctly. Close the key fob once the battery is installed. Press the button on your new key and point it towards the car. It's now time to get in your vehicle and enjoy the newly restored key. You'll soon be an expert in replacing the battery of your car key. Good luck! Be sure to check our blog for more advice on how to repair your vehicle at home. If you're not quite ready to repair your key, we can help with low-cost key fob repair. Bent Key The last thing you would like to happen to your car key is to have it get bent inside the lock, or even worse, to become stuck inside. Fortunately, this type of key can be fixed. If the key is stuck too long and cannot be released by normal twisting, the only option is to replace it. Generally speaking, the issue with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become overly worn and is no longer engaging the lock wafers correctly. It may be an indication that you must replace the ignition cylinder or just purchase a new one. If the key is able to be placed into the cylinder but it's not aligned in the right way it will require a hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to ensure that you don't 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 may take several attempts to get the key into alignment. If the key cannot be removed from the ignition, this means that the teeth are overly worn out and cannot engage the wafers correctly. In this case, you will need a new key as soon as you can. This can be done by taking the key stub to the dealership from which you bought your car and soliciting an VIN cut key that is the exact same as your old one. This is a lot easier and less expensive than trying bend the key you have already got into shape.