Car Keys Repair - Common Problems With Car Keys
It can be difficult to keep the keys to your car. They can be bent, broken, or even stolen!
Examine your bags and pockets for them. If you can't find them, try jiggling the key. This can help to remove any minor damage to the lock wafers in the inside of the cylinder.
1. The key is bent
One of the most common car keys problems is when it gets bent. This could happen if you're using your key to open your trunk or load groceries into it.
A locksmith is the best choice to solve this issue, since they have the tools and know-how for removing the bent keys without causing damage to the lock or ignition. They can also make you an entirely new car key immediately. This is particularly useful in the event that your key is embedded with a chip in it.
Chip-embedded keys have a special electronic transponder embedded in them which sends a specific signal to your vehicle's system that then informs it whether the key is legal. This type of key can be created by locksmiths or you can purchase a replacement from your dealer. It is usually easier to replace a key that is older at the hardware store or locksmith if you have one.
It's a good idea note down the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your key so that you can give it to the person who is responsible for making or repairing it. You can find the VIN on your dashboard or in the owner's guide. If you choose to purchase a new replacement, it's recommended to let the dealer program it to your car. It could take several days and could cost upwards of $200.
2. The key is stuck
The car key can be stuck due to a variety of reasons. Some of these causes could be specific to a certain vehicle model or brand, but the majority are universal. Here are some of the most common ways your car key could get stuck in the ignition
Dirt and debris are the most common cause of stuck car keys. The more grit makes into the ignition, the more friction there will be between the key's surfaces and slots. This could make it difficult to turn or remove the key.
Your key may also be damaged. Over time the key will become worn down from regular use. You could even accidentally drop the key on a hard surface, bending or breaking it. Damaged keys can also become stuck in the ignition because they won't fit properly.
Contacting auto key repair near me , or an auto service center is the best choice if your key is damaged. They can either replace the keys for you or help you find an improved, stronger key that will work better with your vehicle's lock cylinder. It's important to note that it is extremely dangerous and risky to attempt to remove the damaged or broken key on your own, especially if you don't have experience dealing with this kind of issue before.
4. The key is stuck in the gear selector
Many modern vehicles have an option to lock the steering wheel when you try to move it after shutting off the vehicle. This feature is intended to guard against theft, but it can also stop you from removing the key. To fix the problem place the car in Park and shake the gear selector. This will usually unlock the steering lock and allow you to take off the key.
It's also important to remember that you should not employ force to remove a car key from the ignition, as this can harm the ignition switch, or the key. Instead, contact a professional locksmith for help. They'll have all the equipment and know-how needed to solve the issue without causing any further damage.
You can also tap the key's end with a mallet, or use a spare key as well as shaking it. This can help remove any obstructions that prevent the key from being removed. If all of these methods fail, you must contact a car locksmith serving Montgomery for assistance. They'll have the tools and knowledge required to solve the issue quickly and safely. They'll be able to recommend any other solutions that may aid in resolving the issue. So, if your key is stuck in the ignition Don't panic! Follow these easy steps to fix the issue.
5. The key is stuck inside the battery
The key can get stuck in the battery of the car and not come out, no matter how much you try to jiggle the key. If this is the case it's recommended to speak with an expert who has dealt dealing with such issues. They'll have the proper tools to safely remove your key without causing additional damage.
Another reason why your key could be stuck in the ignition cylinder could be due to wear and tear that happens over the course of time. The tiny tumbler pins inside the cylinder that match up with your car key can be bent or collapsed, making it harder to move the key around and cause it to jam in place. Spraying WD-40 or another type of lubricant that is light on the key and then wriggling it slowly can help loosen up these pins over time, making it easier to remove your car key from the ignition cylinder.
Avoid using excessive force when trying to get rid of a stuck car key, as this can easily damage the key or the ignition cylinder. If you're unable to pull your car key out from the ignition, you can use a tack-hammer or try shifting the gears. If you're still unable to get your key out ask an expert locksmith or mobile mechanic for assistance. They'll have the tools and experience to resolve the problem quickly. They'll also be able diagnose any other underlying problems in your ignition.
6. The key is stuck inside the cylinder
The key to your car is subject to lots of abuse while driving. The key will get distorted a little each time you close it in a car door, keep it in your pocket along with loose change, or just throw it on an un-porous surface. This wear eventually makes it more difficult to insert or extract the key. This could also cause the internal tumblers to stick to the key surfaces, causing it to wiggle or get stuck.
If this is the case then use a torch to check the cylinder for metal debris that could be preventing it from turning smoothly. This can be made much simpler by using a degreaser to clean the cylinder. Spray the lock cylinder using WD-40 or an a graphite-based lubricant with a dry fluid. This will allow the springs and pins move freely, ensuring that the key can slide in and out effortlessly.
If none of these methods work Try jiggling the steering wheel while turning the key several times. If the issue continues, contact an expert mechanic in your area for advice or request a closer inspection of the cylinder for ignition. It might be time to replace it, if this is the scenario. It is best to do it as soon as possible or else you could be stuck without a way to start your car.