15 Incredible Stats About How To Repair Car Key Lock
15 Incredible Stats About How To Repair Car Key Lock
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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems
It could be an ordinary buildup of dirt or more serious, occasionally keys to your car can get stuck inside your car door lock. This is usually a simple fix that you can perform at home.
If you are unable to insert your key into the keyhole, this is a clear sign that the lock is jammed. To resolve this issue, you can apply grease to the keyhole.
1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole
The first thing you can try is to lubricate the keyhole. You can use a lubricant spray, which you can find at most hardware stores. Spray the lubricant spray onto the lock, then turn the key a few times. This could help loosen the mechanism. If it doesn't work, you may have to call in a professional.
You can also lubricate your lock with graphite powder or spray. This will lubricate the mechanism that locks it and make it easier for you to insert and take out. It will also help to clean and lubricate the pins of the lock which can become clogged as time passes. Try wiggles on the mechanism. It may take some time, but it can often get a car lock unjammed. It is possible to see the mechanism better if you use a flashlight, or the light on your phone. If it seems like you're making progress, continue moving the lever until the locking and unlocking actions seem effortless.
If the lock is not turning, you might have to disassemble it and clean the mechanism of the lock. This is not a job that the average person can do, but it can be a great project if you're a tinkerer. You can also purchase a specialty lubricant specially designed for locks. This kind of lubricant could be more efficient than WD-40 for general use when it comes to releasing a frozen or stuck mechanism.
You could also make use of a modified wire hanger in order to gain access to the lock on your vehicle. This method is not certain to work, but could be an alternative if all other methods fail.
If the lock cylinder is damaged, it might be impossible to open the door of your car or start the engine. This is a much more serious issue that requires professional repair or replacement. If you have a spare key, you should use this to start the vehicle until you are able to repair the damaged part. If you don't own a spare, you can make use of a jigsaw to sever the damaged part of the key.
2. Unlock the door
It is crucial to regularly check the locks on your car's door and key mechanisms. Cleaning the tumblers of your lock with silicone or graphite sprays will stop debris from clogging them and causing keys to not turn. You could also try coating the key with powdered graphite as an interim lubricant. This will allow the key to jiggle within the lock. It may be a viable option if your vehicle has an old-fashioned lock instead of an electronic lock.
If the key is able to be inserted but not turned, it is likely that there is a problem with the lock cylinder. This is a situation that can only by fixed by a locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry techniques as they can damage the lock and the door.
A long rod of metal can also be used to unlock a car. The rod is then inserted into the lock. This method works best on older cars that have traditional mechanical locks, as modern vehicles are designed to be harder to break into.
In certain instances you can employ a wedge made of wood or an air wedge to create a space between the door and window. A rod or screwdriver can then be inserted in the gap to make it easier to unlock. This technique get more info requires some skill and is not guaranteed to work, as it is dependent on the particular model of the vehicle.
In the event of an emergency, you will need to come up with a plan and take some time. You should always keep tools in your vehicle. Roadside assistance services such as AAA provide kits that include wire hangers as well as other tools, and can be helpful in a pinch. Additionally local police or security departments usually have slim jims, which can also be used to unlock vehicles. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy, as many policies will include roadside assistance as well as locksmith services.
3. Unlock the Ignition
It is possible to fix a minor problem if your car key won’t turn in the ignition. First, make sure your vehicle is in Park before you attempt to remove the key. The steering wheel is designed to lock when keys are removed to protect against theft. Sometimes, people shut off the vehicle in a hurry and forget to rotate the key cylinder into Park. This could cause the wheel to lock and the key to get stuck in the ignition. If this happens, grab hold of the wheel and jiggle back and forth as you turn the key. If it works, you will be in a position to start your vehicle when the key unlocks.
A foreign object may be in the key. The lint in your pocket, adhesive from tape, or even corrosion from rust can sometimes cause the pins inside the ignition to not align properly. This can cause the key to not turn when inserted into the lock cylinder. This can be corrected with an easy cleaning using compressed air.
You could also try making the lock more lubricated using a silicone-based spray. This will help to remove dirt and grease which can cause a key to get stuck in an ignition. If the lubricant doesn't work it is possible to call an expert locksmith in your area for assistance.
If your ignition won't turn even after replacing the mechanical ignition key, you might need to increase the speed of the ignition cylinder. This is a relatively easy procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it into the ignition, and then using the handle of a powerful screwdriver to "bump" the cylinder that holds the key. This is usually enough to release two or three misaligned wafers within the cylinder that prevent the ignition from turning. If this doesn't help you, you may need to go to a mechanic or car service center and purchase an entirely new ignition cylinder.
4. Replace the Key
You might not have a alternative but to call an expert locksmith to repair the lock. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock before calling someone.
If the key isn't working, it could be a sign that the cylinder of the lock has been damaged and needs replacement. You can replace the cylinder yourself, or have a locksmith replace it for you. The cost can vary depending on the model and make of your vehicle as well as if you need a transponder key or a conventional key.
It's also possible that your key is simply worn out. In this situation, lubricating the keyhole might assist, but it's highly likely that you will require having your key replaced altogether. You can make a standard key at your local hardware shop for just $10. A transponder key or smart keys will require the services a locksmith.
The most frequent issue is that the key is bent, which can cause the lock jam when you try to use it. To resolve this issue you can straighten the key as far as you can using needle-nose pliers. However, be careful not to apply excessive pressure or force, since this can cause damage to the lock mechanism. You can also use a bit of WD-40 to lubricate the lock and unjam it.
Finally, it's worth noting that when your key fob doesn't seem to be functioning, it could be time to replace the battery. You can purchase replacement batteries online or at most auto shops, but it's worth checking your vehicle's warranty to determine if this is covered under the terms.
If you can't start your car and you think that the ignition switch might be stuck, find the VIN number (vehicle ID number), which you'll find on the dashboard of the driver. This can be helpful in finding the appropriate individuals to help resolve your issue. You can also reach out to your dealer, or go to the website of the manufacturer to learn more about specific problems with your vehicle.