Car Key Repair Tips
Repairing your car keys can be simple with the right advice. You can prevent a lot of issues by keeping your keys and lock cylinder well-lubricated.
Use pliers with a needle-nose to remove the damaged piece of key from the cylinder of your ignition before calling a locksmith or a dealer. Avoid causing further damage by being patient and gentle.
1. Make sure you turn off the ignition key.
You're at the gas station, buying groceries, or you're going home after an extended day of work, and your car will not start. It can be very frustrating especially if you're behind on your appointment.
There are several things that can cause problems with your car keys. Fortunately, a lot of these issues are simple to fix. First, ensure that the key is in fact stuck. It's not common for people to grab the wrong key from the table or their keychain, however, if the keys fits well in the cylinder and isn't loose or dirty, it should be able to start your vehicle.
Wiggle the key a few times inside the ignition, making sure not to scratch it with too much force or pressure. If it doesn't work try using graphite lubricant. Spray it into the cylinder and then insert and take off the key several times to spread the lubricant into all sides of the cylinder.
If you're still having trouble getting your car to start, it might be time to change your key. If your key teeth are worn out, they'll have a hard time engaging the pins on the cylinder. A new key shouldn't cost a lot however it's worth it if the key is stuck in the ignition.
If the gear selector is set to "P" (park), this could also prevent your car from starting. In this case you'll need to examine the shift lever to ensure it's in the correct position to turn the key. If you are not confident in repairing the issue yourself, have an experienced technician from an AutoZone store diagnose and repair the problem.
2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket
The ignition switch might be stuck, it isn't able to rotate. If this is the case, you can try applying pressure to it using a screwdriver and see whether it will move. If not, you will need to replace it.
Another reason why your key may not turn is that it's not the right key for your car. This is a mistake many people commit, but it's simple to repair. Verify whether the key hasn't been damaged or dropped.
If you're confident that you have the correct one, lubricate it. This will release any dirt particles that could be preventing it from turning. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since this will prevent dirt from building up and blocking the keyhole. If this doesn't work the key cylinder could be blocked or worn. If this is the case, you will need to replace the lock's cylinder, or have a new key made.
You could also spray a small amount of lubricant in the keyhole, and gently jiggle it. This can remove any dirt that might be blocking the key from getting into the lock cylinder, so it's worth a shot.
It's time to replace the battery if it hasn't been done so in some time. It's simple to replace the battery in modern fobs. You simply need to break the two halves with the help of a screwdriver, and then remove the old one. Insert the new battery in the same way and test it.
If you're in the market for a car key or replacement, head to your local Ace hardware store. 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 Selector of the Gear Selector
A spare key for your car is a good idea. You don't know when you could lose your primary key or put it in the car. A spare key will allow you to get back on the road faster and can save you money in the long run. In the past the spare key could be made at your local hardware store, or at the auto parts department of the dealership. Nowadays it's usually more cost-effective and convenient to have a spare key cut at an automotive locksmith.
One of the most important ways to keep your Mercedes Benz in optimal condition is to take routine maintenance seriously. This means taking your car to a mechanic regularly for maintenance and paying attention to your driving habits. This means you must always stop completely prior to changing gears and using the correct technique when using the drive-away feature.
Be aware of any issues with the gear selector bushing when caring for your Mercedes Benz. This small component is crucial to the functioning of your automatic transmission, and plays a major part in ensuring that you get the best performance from your vehicle. If you notice it is becoming harder to shift gears, or you're finding that your vehicle is having difficulty translating your actions to the transmission, the selector bushing may require replacement.
It's also a good idea to have spare keys cut for your vehicle when the original keys wear out or fail. This might seem like an inconvenience, but it's better than having your car stolen or locked in the trunk.
4. Check the Battery
The battery in the fob's key has a short life and will eventually have to be replaced. The ignition system of a car relies on the fob's battery in order to transmit signals to the key cylinder.
If the key fob's buttons do not respond quickly to pressing, it may be time to replace the battery. repair car keys can restore functionality of the key's buttons. It is crucial to make sure that the new battery is installed correctly. To do this, carefully remove the keyfob using a flat screwdriver or coin, and then check the old battery to ensure it's positioned correctly. The battery should resemble an actual coin with an plus sign and a plus sign. The new battery should be placed in the same direction as the original one to avoid damage.
A common issue that can hinder the key from turning in the ignition is a misalignment in the tumblers inside the key cylinder. The key can be re-aligned by tapping it gently using a mallet made of rubber, or the screwdriver's handle.
The key cylinder may get stuck or clogged over time. A small amount of penetrating oil will help clear any obstructions and increase the movement of the key inside the lock cylinder. It is recommended to use silicone spray or graphite lubricant while dealing with this problem. It is important to note that if the problem persists after following these suggestions, it is likely a serious problem with the ignition switch and should be examined by a qualified auto technician. It's risky to repair this part yourself without the proper training. This could result in further damage and costly repairs. It is crucial to hire an auto locksmith that is licensed and experienced.
5. Examine the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder, when working correctly, ensures the key fits perfectly into the ignition socket, allowing the vehicle to start. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. The inability to turn a car key can be a frustrating. It could be caused by mechanical issues such as a steering lock, a dead electronic component that hinders theft, or electrical issues like a power loss or a battery that is dead. This issue should be addressed immediately to avoid further problems such as being stranded and requiring costly repairs. It also helps ensure that the car is reliable and secure.
If your car's key doesn't turn, it's a sign that there is an issue with the ignition switch or the key. Fortunately, there are many practical solutions to fix the issue. These include moving the steering wheel around to check the gear selector's position, inspecting and possibly replacing the key, checking the battery's voltage, and cleaning the ignition cylinder to clear obstructions. These simple steps can solve many common issues and get you back on the road quickly.
In rare instances the ignition cylinder might require adjustment to restore normal functionality. Fortunately, locksmiths who are professionals and mechanics possess the skills and tools that are specifically designed to complete this delicate task. This process involves meticulously altering the internal components of the cylinder to ensure that they are properly aligned and allow the key to slide into and smoothly inside the ignition. This task can extend the lifespan of your ignition system, and help maintain optimal performance. If you have a spare key, try using it to determine if the issue lies with the key that was originally used or the ignition cylinder.