We’ve all been there before. We’re in a rush to get somewhere, and when we go to start our car, we find the car key is not working. There are many reasons why this can happen, but at that moment, we need nothing more than to be on the way to our destination. Don’t panic! Mobile Locksmith has you covered. With our 24/7 service, we eagerly await your phone call and can get things working in no time. According to United Locksmith, here are some of the top six reasons why your car key is not working.
Why Is My Car Key Not Working?
When you call us to your location with car key troubles, there are a few things we do right off the bat. One of them is to determine what type of car key you have. Each automobile has a certain type of car key attributed to it, including mechanical, transponder, remote-head, switchblade, and smart keys. You can read more about these types of keys and what you might have here.
Once we have determined the type of car keys, we can get to work on diagnosing the problem. Many different things could be causing your keys. It could also be the problem is not with your car keys. Let’s look at six reasons why your car key is not working.
1. Damaged Key
Simply put, a big reason your car key is not working could be its sustained damage. Some forms of car key damage are more obvious than others. In less obvious cases, car keys that aren’t working could be due to worn-down grooves, causing the key to no longer match the internal locking mechanisms of the lock or ignition. The only way to fix this is to get a new key. Luckily, Mobile Locksmith can create about any replacement on the go. If you have a transponder key, the new key will need to be reprogrammed to your car.
2. Damaged Car Lock
A car door lock has two main parts: the lock cylinder and the lock assembly. A locksmith can tell which is causing the issue. If you insert your key and it turns without opening the lock, there is something wrong with the lock assembly. If you experience trouble inserting and turning the key, this is a problem with the lock cylinder. The resolution to this issue will be either repairing the damage or installing a new door lock.
3. Ignition Cylinder Trouble
Unfortunately, like many other aspects of our cars, our ignitions are also prone to wear and tear. This occurs through regular use, so don’t feel too bad when this happens. When this occurs, there are only a couple of fixes. These include repairing the ignition or replacing it entirely. Luckily, locksmiths are fully capable of fixing these issues, so you won’t have to make an appointment with your dealership or spend a great deal of money with them.
4. Worn Out Car Key Batteries
It’s one of those things we don’t tend to think about, but the reason your car key may not be working could simply be because the key fob’s batteries are dead. Luckily, this is a very simple fix. If you notice that your car is not responding to various signals from your key fob, this is likely a case of dead batteries. Simply replace them to fix the issue; you will be as good as new.
5. Internal Key Fob/Keyless Entry Damage
If there is damage to the inner workings of your car key, it will not work. Over time, this issue can arise, just like all general wear and tear. It could be the case of frayed wires or damaged internal wiring. Furthermore, damage to the buttons on the key fob can also occur, causing occasional and intermittent lack of response when those buttons are pressed. Locksmiths can also handle this issue as they are familiar with the inner workings of key fobs. If the damage is immense, they might recommend a replacement.
6. The Key Has Not Been Programmed
This issue will not apply if you do not have a keyless entry or transponder key. If you have recently gotten a new car key, chances are the key was never programmed with the car or programmed incorrectly. This is a very simple fix for locksmiths to deal with but understandably causes stress to the client, especially when all other reasons for a faulty car key are not the case. Better yet, it’s a very inexpensive locksmith call.
Automobile Trouble? Call Mobile Locksmith
Mobile Locksmith is your one-stop shop for all things lock and key-related. We are available all around Houston, TX, and the surrounding metropolitan areas. We are available 24/7 for any automobile trouble. If you find your car key is not working, give us a call or contact us on the web!
