We’ve all had one of these days. You’re hurrying to get somewhere and, while trying to start your car or even open it, you find that the key to your car isn’t working. At that point, as you could be locked from your car you are racing your brain to figure out the various reasons for this could be. Sometimes, the solution will be obvious but at other times it could take a long time for you to determine what the cause of the issue. 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 problem that we all share. In order to make this experience simpler for you should you need help soon or later I’ll examine the possible reasons your car keys aren’t functioning.
Keys for Cars: Types
To identify the cause of the issue, you need to identify the kind of car key you own and how it interacts with your car. It is a common belief that keys for cars are all 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 may be alike in several ways, they’re completely unique. That is why bump keys won’t work on vehicles. This is why it’s important to be aware of the type of car key you own so that you can identify the reason behind why the car key you have isn’t functioning.
Classic Car Keys
The most commonly used type of car keys used to be the standard keys for cars, and were essentially simply a key used to open the door locks of your car and also to work to your ignition. It is likely that if you own an automobile that was built before 1995, your keys for cars are the more conventional type.
Traditional keys for cars are similar to the locks that you find 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 vehicle and unlock all locks. Unless the key gets damaged and the grooves become worn or the lock cylinders fail there won’t be any issues. Car locksmiths can be needed in many situations. It can be due to misplacement of keys or due to jammed car doors – there are so many scenarios. Locksmith Order offers the Best Car Locksmith Services you can find.
You probably have the traditional 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 automakers began to pair their cars by transponder key. A transponder key basically means that your vehicle is connected to keys in a safer manner. There is a transmitter inside the key, which is connected to a receiver inside the car. To allow the car to start the transmitter and receiver must communicate with each other via a series of signals that are used to confirm that the correct key is in use.
Often , the transponder chip will be contained in a piece of plastic that covers the thumbturn or bow of your key. In the event that the edge of the keys protrudes from the remote it’s likely that the transponder chip is probably inside the remote. The chip may be damaged or the receiver that receives its signal could cease to function. If something is affecting the transmission between the transponder and the 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…
- The thumbturn has a plastic cover over the thumbturn.
- The key is connected to an electronic remote.
- The car is equipped with an impeller (unlikely in models prior to the 1990s).
Keyless Entry Fobs
Today, the majority of automobiles have been built on the concept of communication which was made possible by transponder keys. This led to keys that are not required for entry. Keyless entry remotes resemble tiny remote controls, and each button triggers actions from the vehicle. Because they are not keyless, the remote itself communicates directly with the vehicle. The same thing happens to the transponder key mentioned above, however instead of an ignition cylinder and a key the majority of these vehicles make use of push buttons.
Like the transponder car keys, in the event that your car’s key fob isn’t working, there’s an issue in the communication. Most likely, the cause could be dead or weak batteries inside your car’s key fob. If that doesn’t resolve your problem, you’ll have to tackle other electronic problems. In addition to problems with electronic components, when the key fob isn’t opening the doors of your vehicle there could be a problem with the locking mechanism for your door.
Most likely, you’ve got fobs that allow you to enter your key without a key in the event…
- The car comes with a button to start the ignition.
- There isn’t a key made of metal.
- There isn’t a keyed ignition Cylinder.
The Reasons Your Car Key Doesn’t Work
Now that we’ve brushed over some of the variations between car keys and other locks, we can go into some of the reasons your car key may not be functioning. Be aware that if your car’s key is broken or if you have broken the car key in the lock, the suggestions below will not be of any help. Instead, I recommend that you seek out locksmiths that are experienced in handling damaged car key extractions. Let’s begin:
1. Damaged Car Lock
If the car key you have is not working when you try to open your vehicle, there’s the possibility that the lock is damaged. It could be this 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 lock for cars break the lock cylinder as well as an assembly for the locks.
It is possible to determine which part of the lock for your car is damaged by a little small amount of trial and error. Put in your key and check if it is turning. If it does not turn, but with no opening of the lock there’s probably something wrong in your lock assembly. If you have a functioning keys to unlock a door but the key is unable to unlock the door in the same way it is a high likelihood that the issue is with the lock’s cylinder.
Locks are also blocked by debris and dirt. At extreme temperature, the car door lock could freeze. If you’ve been involved in a crash and the lock is damaged by the impact. These problems aren’t caused by regular wear and tear, but can impact new car locks as well as traditional car locks.
Car locks that are damaged lock
- It is either blocked, or blocked (you are unable to completely put in the key).
- The key can open one lock , but not the other.
- Key will turn , but the lock won’t open.
Fixes for damaged car door locks
If your car door locks are damaged You can talk to professional locksmiths or your dealer to get assistance. In this instance they’ll either Lock Repair, or put in new locks for car doors. The latter is likely to be an expensive option.
2. Key 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 and keys, they typically imagine images of a damaged key that has been broken into pieces. A damaged key may not be visible as a broken piece. The grooves of the key could wear down. When the depth is incorrect on one or more grooves the car key may not be able to correspond to its internal mechanism of lock, or the ignition.
Keys are physical elements which means that every one of them can be subject to wear and tear as time passes. Many people don’t take the time to look at their keys and locks to appreciate the impact that continuous use could cause. When you don’t take care of regular maintenance, it raises the chance of keys becoming damaged. When the key is physically damaged, you’ll require a locksmith in order to cut a brand new car key by using the key code that is registered to your car. Making a duplicate of an existing key can result in a duplicate of the key you have already.
The signs of a damaged car key
- The key is not able to allow you to open locks or start the car.
- The locks can be opened by different methods.
- A new key or a lightly used spare key performs as expected.
Repairs for keys that are damaged in cars
If the physical key that you are using has been damaged, then you must buy a new key. If you have conventional keys, a straightforward car key replacement can work. If, however, you own transponder keys, you’ll need your new key programmed in your car.
3. Affective Ignition Cylinder
Your key is not just linked to your car’s exterior door locks, but it’s also the instrument that functions alongside the ignition. Keys for cars aren’t meant to function on their own. That means for every key there is the mechanism or lock which it is intended to work with. If your car keys do not work when it is put inside the ignition system, this may not necessarily suggest that the key is damaged or defective.
Sometimes, this may be an indication of a bigger issue that could cause damage to your car’s ignition. If you’re not aware that cars are moving mechanical parts. (Back in the days, this would have been called magic, however today we refer to it as scientific and technological.) The idea is that mechanical components are susceptible to wear and tear which is why it’s normal for things to fail and the ignition cylinder isn’t an exception.
The signs of a malfunctioning ignition The cylinder
- The key will unlock the car’s door, however the car won’t begin.
- The indicator light for your immobilizer has been turned on.
Fixes damaged ignition the cylinders
Locksmiths in the automotive industry are experienced in the handling of malfunctioning ignition cylinders. So if this is the reason your car key isn’t working, be sure to seek out a locksmith. They can advise you on whether the ignition could be repaired and salvaged, or if they’ll need to replace the entire cylinder.
4. Old and worn out Key Battery for Fob
Another reason why your car keys won’t work could be due to the batteries inside keys or keyless remotes are depleted of the juice. This is a frequent issue however it can be solved fairly easily. Batteries are exhausted after a specific period of time, and the diagnosis is easy.
If you find that your car isn’t reacting to commands or signals that are being sent by 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 discover the car’s key isn’t working due to worn battery in the key fob, the simplest solution is to locate the correct batteries and replace the batteries. Once you have done this the car key fob is just as good as new.
Evidence of worn-out battery packs for the key fob
- Key fob works occasionally but not all the time.
- The buttons located on your car’s key fob have to be pressed repeatedly.
- The car key fob no longer functions from the distance it worked previously.
Solutions for batteries that are dead on the key fob.
If your batteries for the key fob have gone out of date it is recommended to replace the batteries. To determine the exact battery the key fob is using look up the owner’s manual of your car. The manuals may also provide you basic guidelines for you to follow when trying 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 can be purchased in local hardware stores or at a retailer 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 the Key Fob/Keyless Remote
As I stated in the past, there are many kinds of keys, and each has their own unique functions and features. Key fobs depend on the connection between a transmitter and receiver. If one of these parts is damaged, this means that the car key won’t function as it was meant to. If there’s something wrong within the electronic components of your car, or there’s damage to either the transmitter or receiver the key fob isn’t working.
In some cases, these components can become damaged over time, and show up as frayed wires, etc. In other situations the damaged wiring could result from external damage to your key fob , or to your car. This can be due to something as easy as dropping the keys to your car or knocking internal parts of the fob out of the proper alignment.
Like traditional keys, electronic keys also wear out. Pressing repeatedly could wear down the components. If you find that one button functions but not all or not, then the key fob might be damaged. Perhaps, for instance, the car is able to unlock using it’s remote but it will not lock. This could be an indication that damage to the internal system has taken place.
Evidence 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 click, or depress, and/or 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 best dealt with by an automotive locksmith or your automobile dealer. They are experts in how get around the inside mechanisms on the device, they’ll be able to assist you repair it. If not, they’ll provide you with the correct replacement of the key fob.
6. The Key Is Not Programmed
Keys that are traditional do not have programming issues since it’s something keys that are keyless entry remotes or transponder keys must tackle. If the car key you have does not work with your car There is a possibility that it hasn’t yet been programmed with your vehicle.
Key programming problems for car keys occur frequently for those who change their car key remotes , or obtain duplicate keys for their car. Many people do not realize that the transponder keys and the key fob also need to be programmed in order to communicate with your vehicle. If you don’t complete this task, the only thing you can use the key to do is open your car’s doors and trunk.
Car remotes that were previously functioning transponder keys, car remotes, etc. may also cease working at the same time. It is usually due to security features in modern vehicles that reset after the battery has been changed. If you’ve replaced the batteries on your fob key, this might be the problem you’re having trouble with.
The car key’s signal indicates that it is not programmed
- The immobilizer light is activated when the key is in the ignition.
- A key fob fitted with new batteries will not open or lock the car.
- You’ve recently replaced the battery in your car.
Fixes for unprogrammed car keys
The transponder key programming process can be performed by a reputable automotive locksmith or your dealer. It’s usually less expensive to have it done by an experienced locksmith. Similar principles apply to reprogramming car keys that are aftermarket. All it boils down to making your car use your key.
7. Aftermarket Car Keys
The aftermarket car keys are the cheapest option individuals often look into when looking to replace keys or spare keys for their car. It is important to be aware of the risks that electronic car keys from aftermarket stores could pose, however, should your car key not working, it is most likely the last thing that comes to your mind.
If you purchase an aftermarket car key to your vehicleand fail to reprogram it you’ll likely discover that the car key isn’t working. The aftermarket market is usually the best source of spare parts and other automobile products. But, be aware that a lot of these items might not be designed to fit your particular vehicle, which means that there may be some extra work to be performed. This is why you must ensure that your aftermarket car key is properly programmed and connected with your car.
A sign of a defective aftermarket vehicle key
- The key didn’t work.
- The car key that is being replaced differs in comparison to the old one.
- The key cannot be programmed.
Fixes for defective aftermarket automotive keys
Find a reliable locksmith to find the right key blanks for your brand and model. This will ensure that your keys are programmed and cut in a proper manner. Making and pairing your car keys could be done by the same technician.
8. You could be using a Key Copy
Key duplicates for car keys are very highly sought-after by drivers and for good reason. This gives you security knowing that the chances of getting locked out of your car are less likely, because there are spare keys you can use. Additionally, it gives you the comfort of sharing your car with other members from your family. But, many are unaware that each successive duplicate of a car key decreases in the quality of your car keys.
Every time the key is duplicated, bits of data disappear during the process of transferring. This means that when you duplicate the car key in a duplicate the copy you’re getting will differ from the original. A key that is not copied correctly may have issues from the beginning however, a duplicate of a duplicate copy can be even more troublesome.
In certain situations there are instances where your car key isn’t functioning, because you’re using a duplicate key that doesn’t function in the same way as the original key. Finding a duplicate key for your car is much less expensive as compared to getting a new one cut to code, however it’s not always the best choice and is not one of the safest options.
The signs that you’re using a badly copied key
- This is just one of the important copies you’ve made.
- This key wasn’t duplicated by professionals.
- The new car key functions better than the old car key.
Solutions for keys that aren’t working properly.
A lost spare key might result in you not being able to copy the key you have. If that is the case, you should contact an locksmith to create a new key using the vehicle’s code. The new key cut by code will be identical to 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 a crucial component of any driver’s everyday life, and if your car keys aren’t working, it’s 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 discover the cause quickly. Be aware that if aren’t sure what to do, call an auto locksmith, rather than messing around and causing damage to the lock, key or ignition.
