10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About How To Repair Car Key Lock
10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About How To Repair Car Key Lock
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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems
Whether it is the result of a simple buildup of dirt or more serious, sometimes keys to your car can be stuck in the door lock of your car. This is a common fix you can do at home.
If you cannot insert your key into the keyhole of the lock, it's likely that the lock has been jammed. You can fix this by applying an oil-based lubricant to the keyhole.
1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole
The first thing you can try is to lubricate the keyhole. You can purchase lubricant in most hardware stores. Spray it into the lock, and then move the key in and out several times. This can help unblock the mechanism. If it doesn't work, you may have to get an expert.
You can also grease your lock with graphite powder or graphite spray. This will coat the locking mechanism and make it easier for you to insert and remove. It will also clean and lubricate the pins inside the lock, which could get clogged over time. You can also try to wiggle the mechanism. It may take some time but it's a great way to get a car lock unjammed. You can observe the mechanism more clearly if you use a flashlight, or the light on your phone. If you feel like you're making progress, keep moving until the locking and unlocking actions seem smooth.
If the key is still not turn, you could need to take it apart and clean the mechanism that locks it. This is not a job that the average person can accomplish, but it could be a fun task if you're a tinkerer. You can also buy a specialized lubricant that is specifically designed for locks. This type of lubricant can be more robust than the general-purpose WD-40 and is more effective at loosening an impervious or frozen mechanism.
You could also use a modified wire hanger in order to gain access to the lock on your vehicle. This method isn't guaranteed to work, but it may be an option in the event that all the other methods do not work.
If the lock cylinder is damaged, it might be impossible to open the car door or start the engine. This is a serious issue that requires a repair or replacement by a professional. If you have a spare key you can use it to start the vehicle until you are able to repair the damaged part. If you don't own an extra key, you can use a jigsaw to cut the broken piece of the key.
2. Unlock the Door
It is important to periodically examine your car door locks and key mechanisms. Periodic cleanings with graphite or a silicone spray can help prevent debris from blocking the lock tumblers and making your key unable to turn. Alternatively, you can try coating the key with graphite powdered to create an interim oil. This allows the key to move inside the lock. It could work if you have a manual lock instead of an electronic one.
If the key can be inserted, but it is not turning it is most likely that there is an issue with the lock cylinder. This is a situation that can only by fixed by locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry techniques since they can cause damage to the lock as well as the door.
A long rod of metal can also be used to unlock a car. This rod is put into the lock. This method works best on older cars that have traditional mechanical locks, since modern cars are designed to be more difficult to break into.
In certain situations you can employ a wedge of wood or an air wedge to create space between the door and G28 window. A screwdriver or metal rod can then be inserted into the gap to make it easier to unlock. This method requires some expertise and isn't certain to work as it is contingent on the model of the vehicle.
In case of emergency, you'll have to think of a solution and spend some time. You should always keep tools in your vehicle. Roadside assistance services such as AAA provide kits that include a wire hanger and other tools, and can be helpful in a pinch. Local police and security departments also carry slim jims that can be used to unlock vehicles. Be sure to check your insurance policy on your vehicle for any policies that cover roadside assistance and locksmith services.
3. Unlock the Ignition
It's possible to fix a minor problem when your car key isn't turning in the ignition. Before removing the key, first make sure that the vehicle is in Park. To stop theft, the steering wheel locks after the key is removed. Sometimes people forget to put the key cylinder in Park when they turn off their car. This could result in the key becoming stuck in the ignition and the wheel to become locked. If this occurs, grab the wheel and move it back and forth as you turn the key. If it works, you will be in a position to start your vehicle when the key is released.
A foreign object may be in the key. In your pocket, lint, adhesive from tape, or even corrosion from rust can cause the pins in the ignition to not align correctly. This can also cause the key to not turn once it is inserted into the lock cylinder. A quick clean with compressed air can usually fix this.
You could also try making the lock more lubricated using an oil-based spray made of silicone. This will help clean the grease and dirt that often cause a car keys to become jammed in an ignition. If the lubricant isn't working then you can always contact a locksmith in your area to help.
If your ignition won't turn even with a new mechanical ignition key, you may need to increase the speed of the ignition cylinder. 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 usually releases one or two wax wafers that are misaligned that block the ignition from turning. If this doesn't work, you may need to visit an auto mechanic or a service station and purchase a new ignition cylinder.
4. Replace the Key
Getting locked out of your car could be a real hassle and you may have no alternative but to call a locksmith or repair service to get the lock fixed. However, there are a few things you can do prior to calling someone else.
If the lock itself isn't working, this could be a sign that the lock cylinder has been damaged and requires replacement. You can replace the cylinder on your own, or request a locksmith to take it off for you. The cost will differ based on the model and make as well as whether you require a transponder or a traditional key.
You may also have an out-of-date key. In this scenario, you may be able to lubricate the keyhole, however it is likely that your key will require replacing. You can create a traditional key at a local hardware store for $10. A transponder or smart key will require the services a locksmith.
The most frequent issue is that the key becomes bent, and this can cause the lock to become stuck when you try to use it. To solve this issue try to straighten the key as far as you can with needle-nose pliers. However, be careful not to apply excessive pressure or force, as it could damage the mechanism of the lock. You can also use WD-40 to lubricate and open the lock.
It's important to note that when your keyfob doesn't work, it may be time to replace the batteries. You can buy replacement batteries online or at many auto shops, but it's worth checking your vehicle's warranty to see whether this is covered under the terms.
If your car isn't starting and you're concerned that your ignition switch might be stuck, you must first look for the VIN (vehicle identification number), which is usually located on the dashboard of the driver's side. This will enable you to contact the right people to get help. Alternatively, you can always contact your dealer or check the manufacturer's website to learn more about your car's particular problems.