Car Key Repair Tips
Repairing your car keys can be easy with the right tips. Keep your locks and keys properly lubricated to avoid numerous issues.
Use pliers with a needle-nose to remove the broken piece of key from the cylinder of your ignition before calling a dealer or a locksmith. Be gentle and patient to avoid causing additional damage.
1. Knock the Key Ignition
You're at a gas station, you're buying groceries or you're just going home after a long workday when your car won't start. It can be extremely frustrating particularly if you're behind on your appointment.
There are a few different issues that could be causing problems with your car key. Fortunately, most of these problems are easy to solve. First, ensure that the key is actually stuck. It's not uncommon for people to pull the wrong key off the table or the keychain. If the key is securely inserted into the cylinder and not loose or dirty, then it should function.
Try wiggles of the key a few times within the ignition, taking care not to cause damage by applying too much pressure or force. If this doesn't work, try some graphite grease. Spray it in the cylinder and then insert and remove the key a few times to work the lubricant into all wards of the cylinder.
If you're still having trouble getting your car to start, it might be time to replace your key. If the key's teeth are worn out, they'll have a hard time engaging the pins on the cylinder. A new key won't cost a lot, but it's worth the money if your key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.
If the gear selector is set to "P" (park), this may also stop your car from being started. In this case, examine the shifter and make sure it's in the correct position to turn the key. If you are not confident about fixing the issue on your own, ask a trusted professional at an AutoZone store identify and repair the problem.
2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket
The ignition switch might be blocked and is preventing it from turning. If this is the case, try applying pressure to it using a screwdriver and see whether it will move. If not, you'll need to replace it.
Another reason why your key may not turn is that it's not the right key for your vehicle. This is a mistake that many people commit, but it's easy to fix. Make sure that the key hasn't been damaged or dropped.
If you are sure that the key is working make sure to lubricate it in order to eliminate any dirt particles that may be preventing it from turning. A silicone-based lubricant is ideal because it prevents dirt from building up and blocking the keyhole in the future. If this isn't working, the key cylinder might be blocked or worn. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the lock's cylinder or get a new key made.
You could also spray a small amount of oil in the keyhole and gently move it. It's worth trying to loosen any dirt which might be preventing the key from entering into the lock cylinder.
If you haven't changed the battery in your key fob recently then it's the right time to do it. Change the battery on modern key fobs is quite simple, and it's usually just taking the two halves apart with an screwdriver to their seams and then removing the old one. Then, insert the new one in the same manner and test it.
Ace Hardware is the place to go when you need an entirely new car key. In addition to traditional keys and key fobs you'll find a broad range of tools for maintenance and auto repair as well.
3. Check the Gear Selector
A spare key for your car is a fantastic idea. You never know when you might lose your primary key or put it in the car. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road quicker and can save you money in the end. In the past the spare key could be made at your local hardware store or the auto parts department of the dealership. Nowadays, however it's usually more cost-effective and practical to have a spare key made at an automotive locksmith.
One of the most important ways to keep your Mercedes Benz in optimal condition is to treat routine maintenance seriously. This means bringing your car to the shop for regular maintenance and ensuring you are following your driving habits. This includes making sure that you always come to a complete stop before changing gears and employing the correct method when engaging the drive-away feature.
Another important aspect of taking care of your Mercedes Benz is to be aware of any issues that may arise with the gear selector bushing. car keys repair is crucial to the operation of your automatic transmission and plays a major role in ensuring you're getting the best performance out of your vehicle. If you notice it's becoming more difficult to change gears, or your car is beginning to be struggling to translate your actions with the transmission, it's a sign that the selector bushing is in need of replacement.
It's also an excellent idea to have spare keys cut to fit your vehicle when the original keys begin to wear out or break down. Although this might seem like a hassle, it's much better than having your car stolen or locked in the trunk!
4. Check the Battery
The battery inside the fob's key has a life-span that is limited and eventually will need to be replaced. The ignition system in a car depends on the fob's batteries to send signals to the key cylinder.
If the buttons on the key fob no longer respond promptly to pressing, it may be time to replace the battery. A new battery could restore the functionality of the keys' buttons. It is important to ensure that the new battery has been properly inserted. To accomplish this, carefully lift the keyfob using a flat-headed screwdriver or coin and examine the battery that was used to ensure it is oriented correctly. The battery should look like a coin and have the plus and minus signs. Insert the new battery in the same way as the old one to avoid damage.
One common issue that can prevent the key from turning the ignition is a misalignment of the tumblers of the key cylinder. By gently tapping the key with a mallet made of rubber or the screwdriver's handle can realign these tumblers and allow the key to turn.
The key cylinder can also become gummed up or stuck with time. A small amount of penetrating lubricant will help remove any obstructions and improve the speed of the key's movement within the lock cylinder. It is recommended to use a silicone spray or graphite lubricant while trying to solve this problem. If the issue persists then it could be a serious problem with the ignition switch. A certified auto technician should examine the switch with care if this is the case. If you attempt to repair this component without the proper knowledge could cause further damage and costly repairs. It is essential to employ a professional auto locksmith who is licensed and has experience.
5. Check the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is a complex piece of machinery that, when operating correctly, ensures that the key fits comfortably into the ignition socket and permits the vehicle to start. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. From mechanical issues such as the lock on the steering wheel or a dead anti-theft electronic component to electrical issues, such as a power outage or a dead battery being unable to turn the car key can be a huge hassle. This issue must be resolved immediately to avoid further problems such as being stranded and incurring expensive repairs. It will also ensure that the car is reliable and safe.
A car key that won't turn in the ignition usually indicates underlying issues with either the ignition or the key switch. Fortunately, there are many practical solutions to fix the problem. These include moving the steering wheel around to check the position of the gear selector as well as inspecting and replacing the key, evaluating the battery's voltage, as well as cleaning the ignition cylinder to clear obstructions. These simple solutions can resolve many common issues and allow you to get back on the road in no time.
In some rare cases it is possible to realign the ignition cylinder to restore normal function. Fortunately, locksmiths who are professionals and mechanics have the knowledge and the right tools to complete this delicate task. This involves carefully adjusting the internal components of the cylinder so that they are aligned properly and allowing the ignition key to turn smoothly and easily into the ignition. This process can prolong the lifespan of your ignition system and maintain optimal performance. If you have an additional key, you can use it to see whether the issue is with the original key.