We’ve all had one of these days. You’re on the move when, as you attempt to start your car or even to unlock it, you discover that the key to your car isn’t working. When you realize that you may be locked from your car you are racing your brain to discover the various reasons for it could be. Sometimes, the solution will be obvious at other times, it could take a long time for you to discover what the source of the issue is. Locksmith Order provides the best locksmith services so that you can get lock-related help right away. If you need a reliable locksmith area contact Locksmith Order professionals for the best locksmith services. It’s all happened to us which is why it’s a issue that we’ve all experienced. To make the experience less stressful for you, should you need help at any time I’ll review some of the causes why the car key isn’t functioning.
Car keys of various types
To identify the cause of the issue, you must know what type of car keys you own and how it interacts in conjunction with your vehicle. It is a common belief that every car key is identical, after all, they’re all designed to operate vehicles and therefore they should be identical isn’t it? However, they’re not. While car keys and door locks are similar in several ways, they’re each unique, which is the reason why bump keys do not work on vehicles. This is why it’s important to be aware of the type of car key that you have to be able to identify the reason the car key you have isn’t working.
Classic Car Keys
The most commonly used kind of car key was believed to be the standard automobile key. It was simply a key utilized to lock the door locks of your car and function in conjunction in conjunction with the ignition. If you have the vehicle you own before 1995, your keys for cars are the older style.
The traditional car keys are like the locks you have on your home. They’re one piece of metal with several cuts to are sized to fit the lock. If you cut a key that matches the physical appearance of the key, it would start your car and then open all locks. If the key isn’t damaged and the grooves become worn or the lock’s cylinders fail there won’t be any issues.
It is likely that you have car keys If…
- The most important thing is a single piece of exposed metal.
- There is no cover of plastic around the turn.
- The key isn’t connected to an external remote.
- Your car doesn’t have any immobilizer (likely in models prior to the 1990s).
Transponder Car Keys
Since 1995, many automobile manufacturers started pairing their cars by transponder key. A transponder key basically means that your car has been connected to keys in a safer manner. The key has a transmitter in the key which connects to a receiver that is housed inside the car. In order for the vehicle to start the transmitter and receiver need to exchange signals to verify that the correct key is in use.
Often , the transponder chip will be contained in a piece of plastic, which covers the key’s bow or thumbturn. In the event that the edge of the key sticks from the remote it’s likely that the transponder chip is probably inside the remote. The chip could be damaged or the receiver that receives its signal could cease to function. If something is affecting the transmission between the transponder key and car immobilizer device the car will not start. If there are two parts communicating it is crucial to test both of them in the event that the car key isn’t working.
It is likely that you have transponder car keys in the event that…
- There is a plastic cover over the thumbturn.
- The key is connected to the remote.
- The car is equipped with an impeller (unlikely in models prior to the 1990s).
Keyless Entry Fobs
Today, the majority of automobiles are built around the idea of communication that was made possible by transponder keys. This is the reason for keys that are not required for entry. Keyless entry remotes resemble small remote controls and each button prompts actions from the vehicle. Because they are non-keyless, the key communicates to your car. The same thing happens to the transponder keys mentioned previously, but instead of the ignition cylinder and key the majority of these vehicles make use of push buttons.
Like the transponder car key in the event that you find that the key fob for your vehicle isn’t working, there’s issues with signaling. Most likely, the cause could be dead or weak batteries inside the key fob for your vehicle. If that doesn’t resolve your problem, you’ll be required to investigate other electronic problems. In addition to problems with electronic components, when the key fob won’t open the doors of your vehicle it could be due to issues with the doors lock.
It is likely that you have fobs that allow you to enter your key without a key If…
- The car is equipped with a push to start the ignition.
- There isn’t any key in metal.
- There isn’t a keyed ignition Cylinder.
The Reasons Your Car Key isn’t working
Now that we’ve brushed over some of the variations of car keys, it’s time to go into some of the reasons your car keys might not be functioning. Remember that if the car key is damaged, or if you have broken the car key in the lock, the suggestions below will not be of any help. Instead, I recommend you seek out locksmiths who are skilled in dealing with broken car keys extractions. Let’s begin:
1. Damaged Car Lock
If your car keys are not working when trying to open your vehicle, there’s the possibility that the lock itself has been damaged. This is possible even if you’re not using the keys on the locks of your car (ie. opening doors using remotes or fobs). Two major components of a door lock break the lock cylinder, and the assembly of locks.
It is possible to determine which part of the lock for your car is damaged with a few trials and errors. Put in your key and check if it is turning. If it does not turn, but and does not open the lock there’s a problem in the locking assembly. If you have a functioning key fob for opening a lock but the key is unable to open the door that it was previously opened There is a good likelihood that the issue is in the cylinder of the lock.
Locks may also be closed by debris and dirt. At extreme temperature, the car door lock may freeze. If you’ve been involved in a collision it is possible that the lock has been damaged as a result of the collision. These problems aren’t due to ordinary wear and tear but can impact new car locks as well as traditional car locks.
The signs of a damaged car lock
- Keyway obstruction or blocked (you can’t completely introduce the keys).
- The key can be used to open one lock , but not the other.
- Key will turn , but the lock won’t open.
Fixes for damaged car door locks
If you have damaged the locks on your car’s door You can talk to an expert locksmith or your dealership to get assistance. In this instance they’ll either Lock Repair, or put in new locks for car doors. This is the more costly option.
2. Keys damaged
One of the most common reasons that your car keys could not function is because the key in your car is damaged. When people think of keys that are damaged they usually think of a damaged key that has been broken into pieces. But a damaged key might not be visible as a broken piece. The grooves on the key could wear down. If the key is not properly sized for one or more grooves the car key could not align with those of the locking mechanism, or the ignition.
Keys are physical parts and therefore every one of them can be subject to wear and tear as time passes. Many people don’t think about their keys and locks to appreciate the impact that regular use can cause. When you don’t take care of regular maintenance, it raises the likelihood of keys being damaged. If the key becomes physically damaged, you’ll require a locksmith to cut a brand new car key with the key code that is registered to your car. Making a duplicate of an existing key will result in a duplicate of the key you have already.
The signs of a damaged car key
- The key cannot allow you to open locks or begin the car.
- The locks are openable by different methods.
- A new key or a lightly used spare key works properly.
Repairs for keys that are damaged in cars
If the key you have has been damaged, then you need to buy a new key. For those with traditional keys, a basic car key replacement should suffice. However, if you’re using transponder keys, you’ll have to get the replacement key programmed into the vehicle.
3. Cylinder for the Ignition Faulty
The key you have isn’t just linked to your car’s exterior door locks, it’s also the instrument that functions alongside the ignition. Car keys aren’t designed to be used by themselves. This means that for each key there exists an element or lock which it is intended to operate with. If your car key doesn’t function when it is inserted in the ignition will not necessarily indicate that the car key is damaged or defective.
Sometimes, this may be the sign of a more serious issue, and could be damage to your vehicle’s ignition. If you’ve not noticed that your car is moving mechanical parts. (Back in the days, this was referred to as magic, but today we refer to it as the science of technology and.) The reason is that mechanical components are susceptible for wear and tear and so it’s common for them to fail and your ignition cylinder is not an one of them.
The signs of a malfunctioning ignition The cylinder
- The key will unlock your car’s door, but the car won’t begin.
- The immobilizer indicator light on your dashboard is on.
Fixes damaged ignition the cylinders
Locksmiths in the automotive industry are experienced in the handling of malfunctioning ignition cylinders. So if you suspect that this is the reason your car keys aren’t functioning, you must seek out a locksmith. They can advise you on whether the ignition could be fixed and salvaged or if they’ll need to replace the the cylinder completely.
4. Broken Key Forb Battery
Another reason why the car keys may not work could be due to the batteries inside the key fob, or remote for keyless entry have run out of battery. This is a typical issue and is fairly simple to fix. Batteries are exhausted after a set amount of time, therefore the diagnosis is easy.
If you find that your car isn’t responds to your commands or signals coming from your fob’s key, it’s highly likely that your batteries are not working. But, be aware that this isn’t the only reason why your key fob may not be functioning. If you find that the key fob in your vehicle isn’t functioning due to worn-out keys fob battery, the best solution is to locate the right batteries , and then replace the batteries. After this the car key fob is just as good as new.
Signs of worn battery packs for the key fob
- Key fobs work occasionally, but not all the time.
- The buttons found on car keys need to be pressed repeatedly.
- Car key fob no more is working from the distance it worked previously.
Solutions for dead batteries on key fobs
If the batteries for your key fob have gone out of date You should replace the batteries. To determine the exact battery your key fob runs on go through the owner’s guide for the vehicle you are driving. Manuals can also give you a few basics to guide you on how to replace the batteries. If you can’t find your original copy of the guide, you might be able find it on the official website of the manufacturer. Key fobs and car key remote batteries are available at your local hardware store or in a shop that sells auto parts. Your local big-box store like Target, Walmart, or Best Buy may have the battery you require.
5. Internal Damage to Key fob/Keyless Entry Remote
As I stated in the past, there are many kinds of keys, and each has their own unique functions and characteristics. Key fobs depend on the communication between a transmitter as well as a receiver, and if either of these parts is damaged, it indicates that the car key won’t perform as designed to. If there’s something wrong in the electronics inside your vehicle, or if there’s damage to the transmitter or receiver the key fob isn’t working.
In some cases, these components can become damaged over time and appear as frayed wires, etc. In other situations the damaged wiring could result from external damage to your key fob , or to your vehicle itself. This can be due to something as easy as dropping the keys to your car or knocking internal parts of the fob out of align.
Like traditional keys, electronic keys also wear out. Repeated pressing of buttons could wear down the components. If you notice that a button is working but not the others and the key fob might be damaged. Perhaps, for instance, the car is able to unlock using your remote however it will it will not lock. This could be an indication that damage to the internal system is occurring.
The signs of internal damage to key fobs
- The key fob is submerged in the water.
- Your car key fob’s key has been smashed or put under pressure that is extreme.
- Buttons do not press anymore or click, and/or they are not in a position to depress, click, or.
Fixes for broken key fobs
Damage to the internals of the key fob, also known as a keyless entry remote, is typically best dealt with by an automotive locksmith or your automobile dealer. Because they are able manage the inner mechanisms that are inside the key fob they’ll be able to assist you to fix it. If it is not, they’ll provide you with the correct replacement of the key fob.
6. The Key Hasn’t Been Programmed
Keys that are traditional do not come with a programming problem because it’s something only keyless entry remotes as well as transponder keys are required to confront. If your car’s key isn’t working with your car it is possible that it hasn’t yet been programmed with your vehicle.
Key programming problems for car keys occur frequently in people who have replaced their car key remotes , or obtain duplicate keys for their car. They tend to do not realize that the transponder keys as well as the key fob need been programmed to connect with your vehicle. If you fail to accomplish this, the only thing you can use the key to do is open your car’s doors as well as your trunk.
Car remotes that were previously functioning transponder keys, car remotes, etc. may also cease working at the same time. This can be due to security features in modern cars that reset when the battery has been changed. If you’ve replaced the batteries in the key fob of your car, this might be the issue you’re experiencing.
The car key’s signal indicates that it isn’t programmed
- The immobilizer light comes on when the key is in the ignition.
- A key fob that has new batteries will not open or lock the car.
- You recently replaced the battery in your car.
Fixes for unprogrammed car keys
Transponder key programming is performed by a reputable automotive locksmith or your dealer. It’s usually less expensive to have it taken care of by an experienced locksmith. Similar reasoning applies to reprogramming the aftermarket car keys. All it boils down to the programming of your vehicle to use your key.
7. Aftermarket Car Keys
The aftermarket car keys are the cheapest option individuals often look into when trying for replacement keys or spare keys for their car. It is important to be aware of the risks that these electronic keys are able to pose, but when your car keys are not working, it is most likely the last thing that comes to your mind.
If you purchase an aftermarket key for your vehicleand fail to reprogram it you’ll likely discover that the car key isn’t functioning. These are generally the most reliable source for spare parts and other automotive products. But you must be aware that a lot of these items might not be designed to fit your particular vehicle, and therefore there may be some extra work to be completed. This is why you must ensure that your aftermarket car key is properly programmed and connected in your automobile.
A sign of a damaged aftermarket car key
- The key didn’t work.
- The car key that is being replaced differs in comparison to the old one.
- The key is not programmed.
Fixes for defective aftermarket automotive keys
Find a reliable locksmith to find the right key blanks to match your make and model. This will ensure that your keys are programmed and cut correctly. Cutting and pairing car keys can be handled by the same technician.
8. You Could Be Using A Key That You Have Copied
Key duplicates for cars are well-liked by drivers, and with good reason. This gives you assurance that your odds of getting locked out of your car are lower, due to the fact that the keys are in your spare you can use. Additionally, it gives you the convenience of sharing your car with other members from your family, etc. But, many are unaware that each repeated duplicate car key reduces in quality.
When keys are duplicated, bits of data disappear during the process of transfer. That means that if you duplicate the car key in a duplicate and you want to get a different version, the one you’re likely to receive will differ from the original. Keys that are copied poorly could have problems from the beginning However, a duplicate of a duplicate copy can be even more troublesome.
In certain situations it is possible that your car key isn’t working because you’re having a duplicate car key that isn’t functioning in the same way as the original key. The process of obtaining a duplicate car key is less expensive as compared to getting a new one cut to code, however it’s not always the most secure option and is not one of the safest options.
The signs that you’re using a duplicated key that is not properly copied
- This is just one of the important copies you’ve made.
- This key wasn’t duplicated by professionals.
- The new car key functions more poorly than the original car key.
Repairs for keys that aren’t working properly.
A lost spare key might result in you not being able to copy your current key. If that is the case, you should contact an locksmith to create an original key using the vehicle’s code. The new key cut by code will look exactly like the original key that was made in the factory. If you own an transponder key or keyless entry remote, it is important to make sure that the replacement key is programmed.
Final Thoughts
Car keys are an essential component of any driver’s everyday life, and if your car keys aren’t functioning, it could be an expensive issue. Spending the time to go through the suggestions listed in the above article will allow you to determine the cause of your car key isn’t functioning. It is hoped that this information will help you identify the issue quickly. Be aware that if are unsure of what to do, call an auto locksmith instead of tinkering and risking damage to your lock, key or ignition.