An Easy-To-Follow Guide To How To Repair Car Key Lock

How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems Sometimes car keys can become stuck in your car's door lock. It could be a simple buildup or something more serious. This is a common fix that you can perform at home. If you can't insert your key into the keyhole, this is a clear sign that the lock is blocked. It is possible to fix this by applying an oil-based lubricant to the keyhole. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole The first thing to try is to grease the keyhole. You can try using a lubricant spray, which is available at many hardware stores. Spray the lubricant spray into the lock, then turn the key a few times. This may help unjam the mechanism. If not, you might need to contact an expert to fix it. You can also lubricate your lock using graphite powder or spray. This will lubricate the mechanism that locks it and make it easier for you to insert and remove. This will also clean and lubricate the pins in the lock which can get clogged as time passes. You can also try to wiggle the mechanism. automobile door locks will likely take some time however, it is a good way to help to unblock a car lock. You can see the mechanism better using a flashlight, or the light on your phone. If it appears that you're making progress, keep jiggling until the locking and unlocking functions feel smooth. If the key does not turn, you could need to take it apart and clean the locking mechanism. This is not a job that the average person can accomplish, but it could be a fun project if you're a tinkerer. You can also buy a specialized lubricant that is specifically that is specifically designed for locks. This type of lubricant can be more robust than the general-purpose WD-40 and can be more effective in releasing a stuck or frozen mechanism. You can also use a modified wire hanger to gain access to the vehicle lock. This method isn't guaranteed to be successful, but it might be an option in the event that all other methods are unsuccessful. If the lock's cylinder has broken, it can be difficult to open the door or even start the car. This is a serious problem and requires professional repair or replacement. If you have a spare key you should use this to start the car until you can replace the damaged part. If you don't have a spare key you can use the jigsaw blade to cut off the damaged piece of the key. 2. Unlock the door It is crucial to regularly check the door locks and key mechanism. Regular cleaning with graphite or a silicone spray can help prevent debris from clogging the tumblers of your lock and cause your key to stop to turn. You could also try coating the key with powdered graphite to act as temporary lubricant. This allows your key to move in the lock. It might be effective if you own a manual lock, rather than an electronic lock. If the key can insert but it isn't turning, there is likely an issue with the lock's cylinder, an issue that can only be addressed by a professional locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry methods because they could cause damage to the lock as well as the door. Another method to open a locked car is to use a long, metal rod that can be placed inside the lock. This method is best suited to older vehicles that have traditional mechanical locks, as modern cars are designed to be harder to crack. In some cases, you can use a wedge made of wood or an air wedge to create space between the door and window. Then either a screwdriver, or a rod of metal can be inserted into the gap to unlock the door. This technique requires some skill and is not guaranteed to work, as it depends on the specific type of vehicle. A lot of these strategies require some improvisation and time, so you should always have some sort of tool in your vehicle that you can access in the event of an emergency. Roadside assistance companies like AAA provide kits with wire hangers as well as other tools, and can be helpful in times of need. Additionally local police or security departments often carry slim jims, which can be used to unlock the vehicle. Make sure to verify your insurance policy for autos and see if it will provide roadside assistance and locksmith services. 3. Unlock the ignition It's possible to fix a simple problem when your car key isn't turning in the ignition. Before you remove the key first, ensure that the vehicle is in Park. The steering wheel is designed to lock when the key is removed to protect against theft. Many people fail to put the key cylinder in Park after they turn off their car. This could cause the key to become stuck in the ignition, causing the wheel to lock. If this happens, grab hold of the wheel and move it back and forth as you turn the key. If it works, the key will soon unlock and you can begin to start your car. Another reason why a car key can become stuck in the ignition is because it could have foreign materials in it. In your pocket, lint adhesive from tape or even rust corrosion can cause the pins inside the ignition to not align correctly. This can cause the key to not turn when it is put into the lock. This can be fixed by cleaning the lock cylinder with compressed air. You can also grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based spray. This will help get rid of the grease and dirt that could cause a key to become stuck in the ignition. If the lubricant does not work, you can always call an expert locksmith in your area for assistance. If you've purchased a new mechanical key, but the ignition doesn't seem to be turning, it may be time to test bumping the cylinder that controls the ignition. It's a simple procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it into the ignition, and then using the handle of a heavy screwdriver to “bump” the cylinder of the key. This is usually enough to free one or two wax wafers that are misaligned that block the ignition from turning. If this doesn't work then you may have to visit a mechanic or car service station to purchase a new ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key You may not have any alternative but to call an expert locksmith to repair the lock. There are a few things you can do to fix the lock prior to calling someone. If the key doesn't work it could be an indication that the cylinder of the lock is damaged and must be replaced. You can replace the cylinder yourself or have a locksmith do it for you. The cost can vary depending on the model and make of your car as well as if you require a transponder or a traditional key. You may also have an out-of-date key. In this case, lubricating the keyhole might assist, but it's highly likely that you'll require having your key replaced entirely. You can create a traditional key at your local hardware shop for $10. A transponder or smart key will require the services a locksmith. A common problem is that the key itself becomes bent, and this can cause the lock to become stuck when you try to use it. To resolve this issue try to straighten the key as far as you can with needle-nose pliers, but you must be cautious not to apply too much pressure or force, since it could damage the lock mechanism. You can also use WD-40 to grease and unblock the lock. It's worth noting that when your keyfob doesn't work it could be time to replace the batteries. You can buy batteries online or at many auto shops. However, it's important to check your vehicle's warranty terms to see if they include this. If you're unable to start your car, and you believe the ignition switch could be stuck, locate the VIN number (vehicle ID number) located on the dashboard of the driver. This will be useful in getting in touch with the right people to help you resolve your issue. Alternatively, you can always call your dealer or visit the website of the manufacturer to learn more about your car's specific problems.