How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems It could be the result of a simple buildup of dirt or more serious, occasionally keys to your car can get stuck inside the door lock of your car. Fortunately, this is an easy fix that you can do at home. If you are unable to insert your key into the keyhole, this is a clear indication that the lock is jammed. To resolve this issue you can apply some lubrication to the keyhole. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole You can try lubricating your keyhole. You can use an lubricant spray that you can purchase at most hardware stores. Spray the lubricant spray into the lock, then turn the key several times. This can help release the mechanism. If it's not working then you might need to get an expert. Another way to lubricate the lock is to use powdered graphite or a graphite spray. This will coat the lock and make it easier to insert and remove. It will also lubricate and clean the pins of the lock that can get clogged over time. Try wiggles on the mechanism. It may take some time but it's a great way to unlock a car lock. You can see the mechanism better if you use a flashlight, or the light on your phone. If you feel like you're progressing keep jiggling until the locking and unlocking actions feel effortless. If the key still does not turn, you may have to disassemble the lock and clean the locking mechanism. This isn't a job for the average person but if you're an avid tinkerer, this could be an enjoyable project. You can also purchase 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 in releasing the frozen or stuck mechanism. You can also try a modified coat hanger to gain entry into the lock of your vehicle. This method is not 100% guaranteed to work, but it could be an alternative in the event that all other methods fail. If the lock cylinder is damaged, it might be impossible to open the door of your car or start the engine. This is a serious issue and requires a professional repair or replacing. If you have a spare key you can use it to start the car until you replace the damaged part. If Full Post don't own a spare key, you could make use of a jigsaw to sever the damaged part of the key. 2. Unlock the door It is essential to regularly inspect your car's door locks and key mechanism. Regular cleaning using graphite or a silicone spray can stop debris from blocking the tumblers of your lock and making your key unable to turn. Alternately, you could try coating the key with graphite that has been powdered to create an indefinite oil. This allows your key to jiggle in the lock. It may work if you have a manual lock rather than an electronic lock. If the key can be inserted but not turned it is most likely that there is an issue with the cylinder of the lock. This is a problem which is only fixable by a locksmith. Avoid using forceful entry methods since they can damage the lock and the door. A long metal rod can also be used to unlock a car. This rod is put into the lock. This method is ideal for older cars that have mechanical locks. Newer cars are more difficult to break into. In certain instances the use of an air or wooden wedge can be used to create space in the gap between the window and door. Then either a screwdriver, or a rod of steel can be placed into the gap to unlock the door. This method isn't easy to master and doesn't guarantee success, since it is dependent on the vehicle's specific make. A lot of these strategies require some improvisation and time, so it is important to always have a tool in your vehicle to access in the event of an emergency. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA provide kits that include wire hooks as well as other tools. These are helpful in an emergency. Additionally, local security or police departments usually have small jims that can be used to unlock vehicles. Review your auto insurance policy to see if it cover roadside assistance or lockout services. 3. Unlock the ignition It is 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. The steering wheel is designed to lock when the key is removed to stop theft. Sometimes people forget to put the key cylinder into Park when they turn off their vehicle. This can cause the key to become stuck in the ignition, causing the wheel to lock. If this occurs, grab the wheel and move it around while turning the key. If it works, you will be in a position to start your car as soon as the key is unlocked. A foreign object could be hidden inside the key. Lint from your pocket or tape adhesive or even corrosion from rust can sometimes cause the pins in the ignition to not align properly. This can also cause the key to not turn when inserted into the lock cylinder. This can be corrected with cleaning the lock cylinder with compressed air. You could also try making the lock more lubricated using an oil-based spray made of silicone. This will help to remove grease and dirt that can cause a key to get stuck in an ignition. If the lubricant does not work, you should contact an expert locksmith. If you've got a brand new mechanical key and the ignition isn't turning it's possible to try bumping 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 large screwdriver to bump the key cylinder. This will usually release one or two misaligned wafers inside the cylinder which hinder the ignition from turning. If this doesn't work then you may have to go to a mechanic or car service center and purchase a new ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key You may not have any other option but to call locksmiths to fix the lock. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock before calling someone. If the key itself isn't working, it could indicate that the cylinder in the lock is damaged and requires replacement. You can replace the cylinder on your own, or request a locksmith to do it for you. The cost will depend on the make and model, as well whether you need an transponder or traditional keys. It's possible that your key is worn out. In this instance, lubricating the keyhole might assist, but it's highly likely that you'll require your key replaced completely. If you own a traditional key, you can have one made at your local hardware store for about $10, but a transponder or smart key may require the services of locksmith. The key may become bent, which can cause the lock to jam when you try to use the key. To resolve this issue you can straighten the key as much as possible with needle-nose pliers. However, be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or force, since it could damage the mechanism of the lock. You can also use a little bit of WD-40 to lubricate the lock, and then release it. Finally, it's worth noting that the key fob you've purchased isn't working, it might simply be time to replace the battery. It is possible to purchase replacement batteries online or at the majority of auto shops, however it's worth checking your vehicle's warranty to determine whether this is covered under the conditions. If your car won't start and you're concerned that your ignition switch is stuck, first look for the VIN (vehicle identification number), which is usually located on the driver's dashboard. This can be helpful in finding the appropriate individuals to help resolve your issue. You can also reach out to your dealer, or visit the manufacturer's site to learn more about specific issues with your car.
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