20 Resources That Will Make You More Effective At How To Repair Car Key Lock
20 Resources That Will Make You More Effective At How To Repair Car Key Lock
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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems
Sometimes car keys can become stuck in the door lock of your car. It could be a simple buildup or something more serious. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can fix at home.
If you cannot insert your key in the keyhole of the lock, it is likely that the lock is jammed. To fix this you can apply lubrication to the keyhole.
1. Lubricate the Keyhole
The first thing you can try is to lubricate the keyhole. You can buy a oil lubricant at the majority of hardware stores. Spray it onto the lock and then push the key in and out a few times. This could help loosen the mechanism. If not, you may need to call an expert to repair it.
You can also grease your lock with graphite powder or spray. This will coat the lock, making it easier to remove and insert. This will also help to lubricate the pins within the lock, which can be clogged by debris as time passes. Try wiggles on the mechanism. It will likely take a while but it's a great way to help to unblock a car lock. It is possible to see the mechanism more clearly using a flashlight, or the light on your phone. If you feel you're progressing, continue to jiggle until the locking and unlocking functions are effortless.
If the key is still not turning, you might require to disassemble the lock and clean the mechanism of the lock. This isn't a job for the average person however if you're an enthusiast of tinkering, this could be a fun project. You can also purchase a specialized lubricant that is specifically that is specifically designed for locks. This type of lubricant can be more effective than WD-40 for general use when it comes to releasing a frozen or stuck mechanism.
You can also use an altered wire hanger to gain access to the vehicle lock. This method isn't certain to work, but could be an alternative in the event that all other methods fail.
If the lock's cylinder is damaged, it might be difficult to open the door of your car or start the engine. This is a serious problem and requires professional repair or replacement. If you have a spare key, you can use it to start the car until you repair the damaged part. If you don't have a spare key, you could try using a jigsaw blade to remove the broken piece of the key.
2. Unlock the Door.
It is important that you regularly check your car's door locks and key mechanism. Regular cleaning with a silicone spray or graphite spray can stop debris from blocking the lock tumblers and making your key unable to turn. You can also try coating your key with graphite powder as an interim lubricant. This will allow the key to move around within the lock. It may work if you have manual locks instead of an electronic one.
If the key is able to insert but it does not turn, there is likely an issue with the lock's cylinder, which is a problem that can only be solved by a professional locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry techniques as they can cause damage to the lock and door.
Another way to open a locked car is to use a long, metal rod that can be put into the lock. This method is best suited to older vehicles that have traditional mechanical locks as modern vehicles are designed to be harder to break into.
In certain situations you can employ a wooden wedge or an air wedge to create space between the door and the window. Then, a screwdriver or a rod of steel can be placed into the gap to open the door. This method requires some experience and cannot be 100% guaranteed to work, since it depends on the specific model of the vehicle.
A lot of these strategies require some improvisation and time, so it is important to always have a tool in your vehicle to gain access in the event of an emergency. Roadside assistance companies like AAA offer kits that contain a wire hook and other tools. These are helpful in an emergency. Security and police departments in the local area also carry slim jims that can be used to unlock vehicles. Make sure you check your insurance policy on your vehicle for any policies that provide roadside assistance and lockout services.
3. Unlock the ignition
It is possible to fix a basic issue if your car's key isn't turning in the ignition. Before you remove the key first, ensure that the vehicle is in Park. To prevent theft the steering wheel locks after the key is removed. Many people fail to place the key cylinder in Park after they turn off their car. This could cause the wheel to become locked and the key to get stuck in the ignition. If this occurs, grab the wheel and move it back and forth as you turn the key. If it works the key will eventually unlock and you can begin to start your car.
Another reason why the car key could become stuck in the ignition is because it may have foreign material in it. In your pocket, lint or on the tape can cause the pins to not align properly. This can also cause the key to not turn when it is put into the lock. This can be fixed with cleaning the lock cylinder with compressed air.
You could also try applying lubrication to the lock mechanism using a silicone-based spray. This will help remove the dirt and grease which can cause a key to get stuck in an ignition. If the lubricant isn't working then you can always contact an expert locksmith in your area for assistance.
If your ignition won't turn even after replacing the mechanical ignition key, you may need to increase the speed of the ignition cylinder. It's a fairly simple procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it into the ignition, and using the handle of a large screwdriver to "bump" the cylinder of the key. This is usually enough to release two or three wafers that are not aligned within the cylinder that hinder the ignition from turning. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an auto mechanic or a service station to obtain a replacement ignition cylinder.
4. Replace the Key
You may not have any choice but to contact a locksmith to fix the lock. There are a few things you can do before calling someone else.
If the key isn't working it could be an indication that the lock cylinder is damaged and requires to be replaced. You can replace the cylinder on your own, or have a locksmith do it for you. The cost will depend car lock repair near me on the car's make and model as well as whether you need a transponder or a traditional key.
It's also possible that your key is worn out. In this case, lubricating the keyhole might aid, but it's more likely that you will require having your key replaced completely. You can make a standard key at a local hardware store for just $10. A transponder key or smart key will require the services of a locksmith.
A common problem is that the key itself gets bent, and this can cause the lock to become stuck when you try to use it. You can straighten the key with needle-nosed pliers to correct the issue. Be careful not to apply excessive force or pressure in order to damage the mechanism of the lock. You could also try using WD-40 to lubricate and unjam the lock.
It's worth noting that in the event that your keyfob's not working it may be time to replace the batteries. It is possible to purchase replacement batteries online or at many auto shops, but it's best to check your car's warranty to determine whether this is covered under the conditions.
If you're unable to start your car, and you believe the ignition switch could be faulty, locate the VIN number (vehicle ID number) that you'll find on the dashboard of the driver. This can be helpful in contacting the appropriate people to help resolve your issue. You can also reach out to your dealer, or visit the site of the manufacturer to find out more about specific issues with your car.