The 12 Most Popular How To Repair Car Key Lock Accounts To Follow On Twitter

How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems Whether it is a simple dirt buildup or something more serious, sometimes keys from your car may become stuck inside the lock of your car door. This is a common fix you can do at home. If you can't insert your key into the keyhole, it is a clear indication that the lock is jammed. To fix this it is possible to apply some lubrication to the keyhole. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole You can try lubricating your keyhole. You can buy a lubricant in most hardware stores. Spray the lubricant spray onto the lock, and then turn the key a few times. This could help loosen the mechanism. If not, you might have to call a professional to fix it. Another way to lubricate the lock is to apply powdered graphite, or a graphite spray. This will lubricate the locking mechanism and make it easier to insert and remove. It will also lubricate the pins within the lock, which may get clogged up with debris over time. You might also try to move the mechanism. This will probably take a while but it's a great way to unlock a car lock. It is possible to see the mechanism more clearly if you use a flashlight, or the flash on your phone. If it seems like you're progressing, keep moving until the locking and unlocking actions appear smooth. If the lock is not turning, you may need to take it apart and clean the lock mechanism. This isn't something that's appropriate for the average person, but if you are a tinkerer, this can be an enjoyable project. You can also buy an oil specifically made for locks. This type of lubricant can be more effective than WD-40 for general use when it comes to releasing the mechanism that is stuck or frozen. You could also use an altered wire hanger to gain access to the lock on your vehicle. This method is not 100% guaranteed to work, but it could be an alternative if other methods fail. If the lock cylinder is damaged, it could be impossible to open the car door or start the engine. This is a serious problem and requires a 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 own an extra key, you can make use of a jigsaw for cutting the broken part of the key. 2. Unlock the door It is important to periodically check the locks on your car's door and key mechanisms. Cleaning the lock tumblers with silicone or graphite sprays can prevent debris from blocking them and causing keys to not turn. You can also try coating the key with graphite powdered to create an indefinite lubricant. This will allow the key to jiggle within the lock. It could be a good idea if you have a manual lock rather than an electronic lock. If the key can be inserted, but not turned it is likely there is an issue with the lock cylinder. This is a problem that is only fixable by locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry methods because they could cause damage to the lock as well as the door. A long metal rod can also be used to unlock a car. This rod is inserted into the lock. This method is best for older cars with mechanical locks. G28CarKeys are more difficult to break in. In certain instances you can employ a wedge made of wood or an air wedge to create a space between the window and the door. Then using a screwdriver or rod of metal can be inserted into the gap to open the door. This method requires some expertise and isn't guaranteed to work, as it depends on the specific make of the vehicle. A lot of these strategies require some improvisation and time, so you should always have a tool in your vehicle to gain access in the event of an emergency. Roadside assistance companies like AAA provide kits that include wire hooks and other tools. They can be extremely useful in the event of an emergency. In addition local police or security departments usually have slim jims, which can also be used to open vehicles. Make sure to check your insurance policy to see if it provide roadside assistance or lockout services. 3. Unlock the ignition If your car's key doesn't engage in the ignition This is often due to a simple issue that is easily fixed. First, ensure that the vehicle is in Park before trying to remove the key. The steering wheel is designed to lock when the key is removed to protect against theft. Some people do not put the key cylinder in Park when they shut off their vehicle. This can cause the key to become stuck in the ignition and the wheel to stop. If this happens take the wheel and move it back and forth while turning the key. If it works, you will be capable of starting your vehicle as soon as the key is released. A foreign object may be inside the key. Lint from your pocket or tape adhesive or even corrosion from rust can sometimes cause the pins inside the ignition to not align properly. This will also cause the key to not turn when inserted into the lock cylinder. A quick clean with a can of compressed air is usually enough to fix this. You can also lubricate the lock mechanism with a silicone-based spray. This will help remove the grease and dirt that often cause a car keys to become jammed in the ignition. If the lubricant you use does not work, you should contact an expert locksmith. If you have a new mechanical key but the ignition isn't turning, it may be time to consider bumping the cylinder that controls the ignition. This is a relatively easy procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it into the ignition, then using the handle of a powerful screwdriver to “bump” the cylinder of the key. This usually releases one or two misaligned wax wafers that hinder the ignition from turning. If this doesn't help, you might need to go to an auto mechanic or a service center and purchase an entirely new ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key Locked out of your vehicle can be a major hassle and you may be left with no alternative but to call a locksmith or a repair service to get the lock repaired. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock before calling a locksmith. If the key itself isn't working, this could indicate that the cylinder of the lock has been damaged and requires replacing. You can either replace the cylinder by yourself or hire locksmith. The cost will vary based on the make and model of your car as well as if you require a transponder or a traditional key. It's possible that your key is worn out. In this case, lubricating the keyhole might assist, but it's highly likely that you'll need to have your key replaced completely. You can make a traditional key at the local hardware store for just $10. A transponder key or smart key will require the services a locksmith. The key can become bent, which can cause the lock to jam when you attempt to use the key. You can straighten the key using needle-nosed pliers to correct the problem. Be careful not to use excessive force or pressure in order to damage the lock mechanism. You can also use a small amount of WD-40 to lubricate the lock and unjam it. It's also worth noting that, when your keyfob doesn't work, 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 see whether this is covered by the terms. If you are unable to start your car and you think that the ignition switch might be stuck, locate the VIN number (vehicle ID number) that you'll find on the dashboard of the driver. This will help in getting in touch with the right people to help you solve your issue. You can also reach out to your dealer, or go to the manufacturer's site to learn more about specific issues with your car.