Car Key Repair Tips
With the right advice the repair of your car keys is easy. You can prevent a lot of issues by keeping your keys and lock cylinder well-lubricated.
Before you call a locksmith or visit a dealership, try using needle-nosed pliers and penetrating oils to remove the broken key from the cylinder of your ignition. Be sure to avoid causing more damage by being patient and gentle.
1. Make sure key repairs turn off the ignition key.
You're at a gas station, buying groceries or going home after an extended day of work, and your car isn't starting. It can be frustrating especially if your appointment is already late.
There are a variety of things that can be wrong with your car keys. Fortunately, most of these issues can be solved. First, check to see if the key is in fact stuck. It's normal for people to grab the wrong key off the table or keychain. If the key is firmly in the cylinder, and not loose or dirty, then it's likely to work.
Make sure to turn the key a few times in the ignition, taking care not to damage it with too much force or pressure. If it doesn't work try using graphite lubricant. Spray it in the cylinder, then insert and take the key out a few times to work the lubricant into all the parts of the cylinder.
If you're unable to start your car, it may be time to replace the key. If your key teeth are worn, they'll have a hard time engaging the pins on the cylinder. Getting a new key isn't expensive and will be worth the investment if you're constantly getting your car key stuck in the ignition.
If the gear selector is set to "P" (park), this may also stop the car from starting. In this situation, you need to check the shifter and make sure that it's in the right position to turn the key. If you are not confident in repairing the issue yourself, let a trusted professional at an AutoZone store identify and repair the problem.
2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket
The ignition switch might be stuck, preventing it from turning. If this is the case, you can apply pressure using a screwdriver and see if it will budge. If not, you will need to replace it.
It's possible that you have the wrong key. This is a blunder that many people commit, but it's easy to fix. Verify that the key hasn't been damaged or dropped.
If you're sure the key is the right one, you can lubricate it. This will release any dirt particles which may be hindering it from turning. It is best to apply a silicone-based lubricant because this will stop dirt from accumulating and obstructing the keyhole. If this doesn't work the key cylinder could be blocked or worn out. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the lock cylinder or have a new key made.
You could also try spraying a bit of grease into the keyhole, and jiggling it gently. It's a good idea to try loosening any dirt which might be preventing the key from entering into the lock cylinder.
It's time to change the battery if you haven't done it in a while. It's easy to change the battery in modern fobs. It's as simple as pry the halves apart with a screwdriver and pop out the old one. Insert the new battery in the same way and then test it.
Ace Hardware is the place to go if you need a new car key. In addition to traditional keys and key fobs you'll find a broad selection of auto accessories and maintenance tools too.
3. Check the Selector of the Gear Selector
When it comes to your vehicle having a spare key is an excellent idea. After all, you never know when you'll lose your primary key or lock it inside the vehicle. A spare key can help you get back on the road quicker and can save you money in the long run. In the past the spare key could be made at the local hardware store, or at the auto parts department at the dealership. It's more convenient and economical to have a spare cut by an automotive locksmith today.
Make sure you are taking regular maintenance seriously to keep your Mercedes Benz running at its highest performance. This means taking your car to a mechanic regularly for maintenance and paying attention to your driving habits. This includes ensuring that you always come to a complete stop before shifting gears, and following the correct method when engaging the drive-away feature.
Another essential aspect of taking care of your Mercedes Benz is to be aware of any issues with the gear selector bushing. This tiny component is essential to the operation of your automatic transmission, and plays a major part in ensuring that you get the best performance from your vehicle. If you notice that it's becoming harder to shift gears, or your vehicle isn't able to translate your actions to the transmission, the selector bushing may need to be replaced.
It's also a good idea to have spare keys cut for your vehicle if the original keys wear out or break down. Although this might seem like an inconvenience, it's an alternative to having your vehicle stolen or locked in the trunk!
4. Check the Battery
The battery in the fob's key has a life-span that is limited and eventually will need to be replaced. The fob's power is used to send signals from the fob to the key cylinder.
It may be time to replace the key fob in case its buttons are no longer responsive. A new battery will bring back functionality to the button functions of the key. It is essential to make sure that the new battery is installed correctly. To do this, carefully remove the keyfob using a flat screwdriver or coin and examine the old battery to make sure it's placed correctly. The battery should resemble a coin with a plus sign and a plus sign. The new battery should be inserted with the same orientation to avoid internal or external damage.
A misalignment in the tumblers of the key cylinder is one common issue that prevents the ignition key from turning. Gently tapping the key with a mallet made of rubber or the handle of a screwdriver can realign these tumblers and allow the key to turn.
The key cylinder can also be sluggish or blocked with time. A small amount penetrating oil will help clear any obstructions, and improve the flow of the key inside the lock cylinder. It is recommended to use silicone spray or graphite lubricant while dealing with this problem. If the issue persists then it could be a serious issue with the ignition switch. A certified auto technician should inspect the switch with care in the event that this is the case. It's risky to fix this part yourself if you don't have the right training. This could lead to additional damage and expensive repairs. It is essential to employ an auto locksmith professional who is licensed and skilled.
5. Check the Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is a complicated piece of machinery that, when functioning correctly, makes sure that the key fits comfortably into the ignition socket and allows the vehicle to start. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. Inability to turn a car key can be frustrating. It could be due to mechanical issues such as a steering lock an electronic component that has failed and prevents theft, or electrical problems such as a power outage or a flat battery. Taking care to address this issue promptly can help to avoid further issues that could result in being stranded or incurring costly repairs, while making sure that the car is safe and secure to drive.
A car key that won't turn on normally indicates underlying issues with either the key or the ignition switch. Luckily, there are several practical solutions to fix the issue. Clean the ignition cylinder and remove any obstructions by jiggling your steering wheel, examining the position of the gear selector, checking the key, and possibly replacing it, examining the voltage and inspecting the key. These simple methods can assist you in fixing many of the common issues.
In rare instances the ignition cylinder might require re-alignment to restore normal operation. Professional locksmiths and mechanics are equipped with the right tools and expertise to perform this delicate job. This involves adjusting the internal parts of the cylinder to ensure that they are properly aligned, allowing the ignition key to rotate smoothly and easily into the ignition. This can extend the life of your ignition system and ensure its optimal performance. If you have an extra key, you can try using it to determine if the issue is with the key that was originally used or the ignition cylinder.