Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your car keys are not working? This can happen if your car key is old, broken, or has become demagnetized. In this article, we’ll explain all possible reasons why your car keys might not be working and how you can get a replacement.
Dead batteries
If you’ve had your keys for a while, they might have a low battery charge and will need replacing. If this is the case, then you’ll need to buy new ones from a locksmith or dealership. If your keys have a low battery charge, then they won’t be able to communicate with the car’s computer system. This will mean that you won’t be able to lock or unlock your vehicle using these keys and may also prevent you from starting it up manually.
The battery life of most remote car keys is about three to five years, depending on how often they are used and how long the batteries last for each use. If the batteries are drained it is a simple fix. Just change the battery. Auto Locksmiths can do this for you for a small charge and little to no downtime.
Transmitter issue
A transmitter is a component of your vehicle’s central locking system which sends signals to unlock and lock your doors remotely. The transmitter sends signals by means of radio frequencies (RF) or infrared (IR) signals. If you notice that your car key does not work when you press the buttons on the fob, then it’s likely that there is an issue with the transmitter in your vehicle’s central locking system.
Damaged key fob
The second most common reason for a car key to stop working is when it becomes damaged in some way. If you have dropped your car keys on concrete or asphalt and they are scratched or dented, then they may not work properly anymore. This can cause damage to the internal circuitry inside of them and could prevent them from working at all unless they are repaired professionally by an expert technician at an auto locksmith shop near you!
Ignition switch problem
Another common reason for keys not working is because of an ignition switch problem. This occurs when there is something wrong with the electrical connection inside your car’s ignition cylinder. If this happens, you’ll notice that your key will not turn at all in your ignition cylinder. This means that your car won’t start up even if you have fuel and battery power running through everything else in your vehicle.
Faulty lock cylinder
If your car key is not working, it could be because of a faulty lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is the part of the ignition that turns when you use your key. This is what allows you to start your car. However, if the lock cylinder fails, it will not be able to turn and open the door.
If your key is not working, you may need to have your lock cylinder replaced. You can do this by taking your vehicle to an auto repair shop or dealership.
Poorly copied duplicate key
If you have a poorly copied key, it may not work properly in the ignition switch. This happens when someone copies a key and doesn’t calibrate it correctly. The new key will only operate your vehicle for a short period of time before it stops working altogether. In order to get your car back on the road, you will need to have a professional fix it.
Aftermarket key fob
One of the most common causes of a non-working car key is aftermarket key fobs. Most cars now come with a standard key fob that is used to unlock and start your car, but you can also purchase aftermarket ones that have more features, like remote start or panic mode. These can be very handy, but they do not always work with all vehicles.
Key not programmed
If you bought a used car and the previous owner didn’t have the key programmed, then you will have to have it reprogrammed by a locksmith or dealership. This is because when you buy a new car and take it for service, the technician will also program your keys at that time. If not, you’ll need to get it done yourself — usually at an additional cost. You can also save money by getting a cheap car key replacement from an auto locksmith near you.
We hope this article has been helpful in identifying a few reasons why your car key may not be working. If you are still experiencing problems, we recommend that you contact an automotive locksmith for assistance in repairing the issue. After all, you never know when an emergency may happen. Make sure you have backup keys and that they are working properly.