Car Key Repair Tools To Enhance Your Daily Life
Wiki Article
Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are many reasons your car key may not turn. Some are simple fixes while others require some technical knowledge or help from a professional.
AutoZone associates can substitute for most traditional keys that do not have chip by choosing a matching key blank and using an instrument to replicate the contours of your current key. The process typically takes a few minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car key will not work at the most inconvenient times - such as when you're loading groceries into your trunk on the way to the gym or heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the issue is caused by your key fob battery, or a dead lock, it's generally easy to solve and may save you the cost of an expensive replacement.
The first thing to try is to replace the battery on your key fob if it's no longer holding a charge anymore. This is a viable option, especially if your key fob has been tossed around a lot. If you're still experiencing issues, a quick visit to your local AutoZone could be able to assist.
If you're driving a more modern vehicle it may contain a transponder chip inside the head of your plastic key. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit unique codes when your key inserts into the ignition. This signal is then scanned and processed by the "immobilizer" that either accepts and starts the engine of your vehicle or blocks it from starting.
You may be able reset the chip by yourself if you follow the instructions in the owner's manual. It is possible to open and close doors, turn on and off electronics or lights, and press series 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 perform this, however they may require proof of ownership as well as the deposit.
Cylinder
The cylinder is one of the most fundamental 3D shapes in geometry. It's a shape that has two circular bases connected with a curved surface, at a fixed distance away from the center. This is referred to as the height of a cylinder. Examples of real-world cylindrical shape include toilet paper rolls, cold drink containers, and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder can also be found in a variety of car engine parts.
You may also need to replace the cylinder in case your key fails. This is an inexpensive repair that you can usually do yourself. If you're proficient with a toolbox you can purchase a new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto part store and follow the instructions in the owner's manual to replace it. It's not always an easy process and it's usually better to let a professional handle it for you.
If your car keys aren't entering the ignition or starting the engine, the issue could be related to the cylinder or the battery. It is recommended to test changing the battery of your key fob first. This could fix the problem. The key fob you have is likely to get a lot of use and is jostled around a lot, and sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your car.
This is usually done by a locksmith or your car dealership, depending on the kind of car you own. If you own an older model, you should consider looking for a auto key repair near me local hardware shop that is specialized in automotive locks or keys. The hardware store will typically be able to cut a standard key and provide you with a spare. However the dealer might need your VIN number or proof of ownership to be able to make a new replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time, keys may be damaged over time. They are tossed around in purses, pockets and drawers, and may even be bent in a difficult-to-access place. That's why it is so important to check the grooves on your key to ensure that they're clean and in good condition. If they aren't the grooves of the key will eventually wear out and make it difficult to insert and remove the key.
There are several things you can try to remove your key from the ignition. First try using an extra key to determine if the problem is with the key or the ignition switch. Then, move the key in and out of the ignition to ensure that it is properly align with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder which could happen when the small tumblers inside of the cylinder do not align. This could cause the pins to fall off incorrectly and block the key from being inserted or removed successfully. Using a lock lubricant specifically designed for locks or graphite powder may help to re-align the tumblers so that the key can easily come out of the ignition.
Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key using an hammer that is small. This can damage the cylinder that controls the ignition and the key. You can use a tack hammer instead of a hammer, but don't hit it too hard.
If you've tried these suggestions but are still unable remove your car keys, it might be time to contact an expert. A qualified mechanic or locksmith will be able to safely take apart the ignition and remove your key.
Battery
The car key fob is a useful tool that makes it simple to lock and unlock your car. However, it will eventually die like all things powered by batteries. Fortunately, you can replace the battery yourself and your key fob will be as good as new.
You'll need to first locate the right battery. Start by reading the owner's manual of your vehicle or asking a locksmith at your local store what type of battery it is. Then, buy an equivalent 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. If so, it is important that you use 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 that the positive and negative sides of the battery line up with each other. Otherwise the battery won't be able to charge correctly. Once the battery is fully charged, close the key fob and snap it back to its original position.
Press the button on your new key and point it towards the car. If everything is working according to plan you can hop in and take a look at 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 repair your vehicle at home. If you're not prepared yet, we can help you with low-cost keyfob repairs.
Bent Key
The final thing you want to happen to your car key is to have it get bent inside the lock or even worse, gets stuck inside. This kind of key is usually repaired. If the key is stuck too long and is not able to be removed with normal twisting, the only option is replacing it.
Generally, the problem with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is the fact that it has become overly worn and isn't engaging the lock wafers correctly. It could be a sign that you must replace the ignition cylinder or just get a new key.
If the key can still be inserted into the cylinder, and then turned, but isn't aligned properly, you'll have to flatten it out with the help of a hammer. Make sure you employ a soft-faced hammer so as to not damage the lock cylinder or the key. Alternatively, you could utilize the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It could require several attempts to bring the key back in its proper position.
If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition, this means that the teeth are overly worn out and cannot engage the wafers correctly. In this instance you'll need a new key as soon as possible. This can be done by taking the key stub to the dealer where you bought your car, and soliciting a VIN cut key that is exactly identical to the old one. This is much easier and less expensive than attempting to change your current key to get back in shape.