Everyone has at some point experienced issues with their car keys. At times you might be rushing somewhere and try starting the vehicle only to find out that the car key isn’t working. It is at that time when you may even be locked out of your car, and your mind is trying to figure out why this is happening. Sometimes the answer may be easy; other times, it takes a while to figure out what went wrong.
Fortunately, the car key does not stop working or will not work for no reason. As professional Car Locksmiths, our experience tells us that there are a few reasons why this might happen. We go into this in more detail below.
What Car Keys Do You Have?
The first step to diagnosing the problem is to understand the type of car key you have and how that key works with your vehicle. The common misconception is that all car keys are equal, and they operate the same way. But that’s not the case. While they might unlock and lock the door in a similar way, they do so in their unique way. That’s why the first step is to understand what type of car key you have.
Generally speaking, you have the following types:
- A traditional key – the last ones were used in cars dating back to the 90s.
- Transponder keys – These transponders have a microchip in them and allows users to unlock and lock the car with the press of a button.
- Keyless entry fobs – Many of the latest keys communicate with the vehicle. You can have it in your pocket, and it will unlock the car door when you get near it.
What Car Keys Do You Have
You Have a Damaged Car Lock
One of the most common reasons why a car key isn’t working is because the lock is broken. When you try to unlock the vehicle or turn the ignition, there is a problem with the lock. Often the lock cylinder and the assembly may break or become unreliable.
It is possible to tell which part of your lock is faulty with some trial and error. Insert the key into the lock and check if it turns. If it turns fine, but the lock does not unlock, there is a problem with the assembly. If the key fob works to open the door, but the key isn’t opening the same door, you have an issue with the lock cylinder.
It isn’t uncommon for dirt and debris to block the lock. If you are living where it can get extremely cold, locks can also freeze. A collision can also damage your lock.
You Have a Damaged Car Lock
You Have A Damaged Key
Another common reason for the lock not working is a damaged key. Many people think that a key is only damaged if it’s broken or bent. But most damage isn’t visually apparent. The grooves might be worn out in your key, and so the improper depth often means that it does not match the internal mechanism and work.
If your key is physically damaged, the only way to address the issue is to hire a locksmith to retool a new one for you. Locksmiths Can Cut a New Key and register a new keycode in a few hours.
You Have A Damaged Key
Faulty Ignition Cylinder
The key isn’t just associated with the car door lock, but it also works to turn the Ignition in Most Vehicles. However, car keys don’t exist in a vacuum. That means there is always a mechanism for it to function with. So, if the car key isn’t damaged and opens the door as it should but does not turn the ignition, then there is a problem with the ignition cylinder.
At times it can be an indication of a much bigger issue with the ignition system. The only way to know for sure is to have a locksmith take a look; if there is an issue, they should be able to address it. A locksmith can also Make a New Key if the exiting one is lost.
