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Why Your Car Key May Not Turn There are a variety of reasons why your 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 use a machine to duplicate the contours. The process typically takes minutes. Ignition Socket Sometimes, the car's key will stop working at the worst possible time. For instance, if you are putting groceries in the trunk or heading to the gym. Even when you are heading back home after a long working day. The good news is that when the problem is caused by your key fob battery or dead lock, it's generally easy to fix and could save you the cost of an expensive replacement. The first thing you can try is to replace the battery in your key fob in case it's not keeping a charge. This is a viable option, especially if your key fob has been jostled a lot. If you're still struggling, a quick trip to your local AutoZone could help. If you're driving a newer vehicle it may have a transponder chip in the head of your key. These chips are designed to be more efficient in preventing theft. They emit unique code each time your key is inserted in the ignition. The signal is then scanned by the vehicle's “immobilizer” which either accepts it and begins the engine or denies it and stops your car from starting. Depending on the specific model of your car depending on the model, you might be able to reset the chip yourself by following the steps in the owner's guide. It could include closing and opening doors or turning off lights or electronics and pressing a series of buttons in a specific sequence. You can pay a locksmith or the manufacturer to modify your keys if you are not able to do it yourself. Some car dealerships are able to assist you in this process, but they may require proof of ownership documents and a deposit. Cylinder The cylinder is a basic 3D geometric shape. It's a shape that has two circular bases joined by a curved surface at an undefined distance from the center. This is referred to as the height of a cylinder. Some real-life examples of a cylinder include toilet paper rolls, cold drink cans and LPG gas cylinders. The cylinder is also found in a variety of automobile engine components. If a key is damaged it's possible that you need to replace the cylinder too. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that you can usually do yourself. If you're adept with a toolbox, you can purchase a brand new ignition lock cylinder at your local auto part store and follow the directions in the owner's manual to replace it. However, it's not always a simple process, and it's often easier to let a professional handle it for you. If your car keys aren't entering the ignition or turning on the engine, the issue might be with the cylinder or battery. Change the battery in your key fob is one of the first things you should try, and it could solve the issue. Your key fob is likely to be frequently used and tossed around, so it could need to be cleaned and reset. This is usually handled by a locksmith or your car dealer, based on the model of car you own. If you own an older model car, it is worth visiting an area hardware store that specializes in automotive keys or locks. A hardware store can usually cut the standard car key and provide an alternative, while the dealer will need the VIN number of your vehicle or evidence of ownership in order to make an alternative. Gear Selector Over time, keys can be damaged. They get jumbled around in pockets, purses and drawers, and they could even be bent in an impossible-to-access location. It is important to check the grooves on your key regularly to ensure they're well-maintained and clean. If they aren't, the grooves of the key will eventually wear away, making it difficult to insert and remove the key. There are many options you can use to free your key from the ignition. First, try using a spare key to see whether the issue is related to the key or the ignition switch. Then, jiggle your keys into and out of the ignition to align it with the internal components. A key jamming inside the ignition cylinder could be caused by misaligned small tumblers in the cylinder. This can cause the pins to fall off incorrectly and block the key from being removed or inserted successfully. You can re-align the tumblers with an oil for locks, or graphite. Finally, some people may recommend tapping the end of the key using the hammer when it's in the ignition, but this could actually damage the key and the cylinder that controls ignition. It's better to use a tackhammer to knock the key off, but be cautious not to strike it too hard. If you have tried all of these methods but are still unable remove your car keys, it could be time to consult a professional. 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 car. Unfortunately, as with all things that are powered by batteries – it eventually dies. Thankfully, you can easily replace the battery yourself, and your key fob will be as great as new. The first step is to find the right battery. The best place to start is to read your owner's manual or talking to locksmiths about the kind of battery that your vehicle utilizes. Then, buy an equivalent replacement at an area hardware store or auto parts retailer. It is also possible to disassemble the fob that you have in order to locate the battery slot. If you do, 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. Once you have opened the key fob and inserted the new battery into the slot. Make sure the positive and the negative sides of the batteries are aligned. Otherwise, the battery will not be able to charge correctly. Close the key fob once the battery is installed. Test out your new key by pressing the button and then pointing it towards the vehicle. If everything functions as it should, it's time to hop in and take a look at your newly restored car key. Before you know it interruptions to your day will not be a problem since you'll be a pro in the field of replacing car key batteries. Good luck! Follow our blog for more information on how you can repair your vehicle yourself. If you're not ready yet, we offer low-cost keyfob repairs. Bent Key The final thing you want to happen to your car key is for it to become bent in the lock, or worse, it gets stuck inside. Luckily, this kind of key can be repaired. If the key is stuck too long and cannot be released by normal twisting, the only option is replacing it. The key could be worn out and not engage the lock wafers correctly. This could also mean you require a new ignition cylinder, or the key. If the key is in a position to be placed into the cylinder but it's not aligned in the right way then you'll need an hammer to flatten it. Use a soft-faced, non-damaging hammer to avoid damaging the lock cylinder or the key. Alternatively, broken key repair could use the flat end of a pair of needle-nose pliers to bend the key back into alignment. It could take a few attempts to bring the key back into its proper position. 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 instance you'll need to replace your key as quickly as possible. You can do this by taking the key stub back to the dealership you purchased your car from and asking for the VIN-cut keys that are exactly like your old key. This is much easier and cheaper than trying to bend your existing key back to form.