The Most Popular Car Key Repair The Gurus Have Been Doing Three Things

Why Your Car Key May Not Turn
There are many reasons why your car key may not turn. Some are easy fixes, while others require some technical knowledge or help from a professional.
AutoZone associates can replace traditional keys, without chip using a key blank that matches your existing key. They then use a machine duplicate the contours. The process typically takes minutes.
Ignition Socket
Sometimes, a car's key will not work at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading groceries into your trunk on your way to the gym, or when you're heading home after an exhausting day. The good news is that if the issue is due to a key fob battery or dead lock it is generally easy to fix and could save you the cost of an expensive replacement.
If your key fob is not keeping a charge The first thing to do is replace the battery. This usually solves the issue particularly if you've had it for a while, and it's been tossed around a lot. If you still have problems then a visit to your local AutoZone may be able to assist.
If you're driving a brand newer vehicle it may have a transponder chip 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 was inserted into 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 might be able to reset the chip yourself if you follow the instructions in the owner's manual. It could include closing and opening doors, turning on and off lights or electronic devices and pressing a series of buttons in a particular sequence. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to reprogram your keys if you are not able to do it on your own. Some car dealerships can also perform this task for you, but may require proof of ownership and an amount of money.
Cylinder
The cylinder is the most basic 3D geometric shape. It's a shape that has two circular bases connected by a curved area at an exact distance from the center, called the height of the cylinder. Toilet paper rolls, cans of cold drinks and LPG gas tanks are all examples of cylinders. The cylinder is also used in the manufacture of car engine components.
If a key fails it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder as well. It's a fairly inexpensive repair that is usually possible to do yourself. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can buy a new ignition lock cylinder from the local auto parts store and follow the steps in your owner's manual to replace it. But, it's not always an easy process and it's usually better to have a professional take care of it for you.
If your car keys don't start the engine or turn on the ignition it could be an issue with the cylinder or battery. It is an ideal idea to change the battery of your key fob first. This could fix the issue. Your key fob likely gets frequent use and is jostled around a lot, so sometimes it needs to be cleaned and reprogrammed for your vehicle.
This is usually performed by a locksmith or your car dealer, based on the kind of car you have. If you own an older model car It is recommended to visit the local hardware store that is specialized in automotive keys or locks. A hardware store will usually be capable of cutting an ordinary key and provide you with an extra. However the dealer might require your VIN number or proof ownership in order to create an alternative replacement.
Gear Selector
Over time keys are prone to a beating. They get jumbled around in purses, pockets and drawers, and they may even be bent in a hard-to-reach area. This is why it's important to regularly inspect the grooves on your key to ensure that they are clean and intact. If they aren't, the grooves of the key will eventually wear out making it difficult to insert and remove the key.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition there are options to help it out. Try using a spare key to determine if the issue is with the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your keys in and out of ignition to align it with the internal components.
Another possibility is that the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder that can happen when the tiny tumblers inside of the cylinder are not aligned. This could cause the pins to not drop properly and prevent the key from being removed or inserted successfully. Using a specialized lock lubricant or graphite powder can assist in re-aligning these tumblers, ensuring that the key can easily come out of the ignition.
Some recommend that you tap the tip of the ignition key with the hammer of a small size. This could damage the ignition cylinder and the key. It is better to employ a tack hammer to knock the key off, but be cautious not to strike it too hard.
If you have tried these suggestions but you are still unable to remove your car keys, 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 allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle. Unfortunately, like most things that are powered by batteries - it will eventually die. You can easily replace the batteries yourself, and your key fob is like new.
First, you'll need to locate the right battery. The best place to start is by reading your owner's manual or talking to an expert locksmith for the type of battery your car uses. You can buy an alternative battery at your local auto parts or hardware store. It is possible to disassemble the fob that you have to locate the battery slot. It is important to employ a soft tool, such as a fingernail or screwdriver to force the fob out without creating internal damage.
Once you 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 up with each other. Otherwise the battery won't be able to charge correctly. Once the battery is installed close the key fob and snap it back together.
Test the new key by pressing the button and then pointing it towards the vehicle. If everything works according to plan you can hop into your freshly restored car key. You'll soon be an expert at changing the battery in your car key. Good luck! Follow G28 Car Keys for more information on how you can fix your vehicle yourself. If you're not quite ready, we offer affordable key fob replacements.
Bent Key
The last thing you'd wish to happen to your car key is for it to become bent in the lock, or worse, get stuck inside. This kind of key is usually repairable. If the key is stuck too long and is not able to be removed with normal twisting, then the only option is to replace it.
Generally, the problem with a key that becomes stuck in the ignition is that it has become excessively worn and is not engaging the lock wafers correctly. It may be a sign that you should replace the ignition cylinder or just purchase a new one.
If the key is still in a position to be placed into the cylinder but it's not aligned in the right way it will require an hammer to flatten the key. Make sure you employ a soft-faced hammer so as to not damage the key or lock cylinder. You can also use the flat end on pliers with needle-nosed tips to bend the key back into its proper alignment. It might take a few attempts to get the key back into its proper position.
If the key is unable to be removed from the ignition cylinder, it could be that the teeth have become overly worn and are not engaging the wafers inside the lock correctly. If this is the case, a new key is required as soon as is possible. This can be accomplished by taking the stub of your key to the dealer where you bought your car, and request an VIN cut key that is the exact identical to the old one. This is a lot simpler and less expensive than trying to bend your current key back to form.