Car Keys Repair - Common Problems With Car Keys
It can be a challenge to keep the keys to your car. They can get bent, broken, or even stolen!
Check your pockets and bags for them. If they aren't there, try jiggling the key. This can help to eliminate any minor damage to the lock wafers inside the cylinder.
1. The key is bent
One of the most common car keys issues is when it gets bent. This can happen when you use your keys to open the trunk or to load groceries into it.
Generally, the best solution for this issue is to call locksmiths, as they have the tools and know-how to cut the bent key without harming the lock or ignition. They can also create keys for you in a matter of minutes, which is particularly useful if you have an updated, chip-embedded car key.
Chip-embedded keys have a special electronic transponder integrated into them which sends a specific signal to the vehicle's system and then tells it whether the key is legal. Locksmiths can create these keys or you can purchase an alternative from your dealer. If you have an older key, it's typically easier to purchase a new one at the hardware or locksmith store.
Regardless of what kind of key you have it's recommended to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN), so you can give it to the person who creates or repairs to your key. You can find the VIN on your dashboard or in the owner's guide. If you do choose to purchase a replacement key it is a good idea to have the dealer program it into your vehicle. It could take several days and could cost upwards of $200.
2. The key is stuck
The car key could be stuck for a variety reasons. Some of these reasons might be specific to a specific automobile type or brand however, many of them are universal. Here are car remote key repair of the most frequently-cited reasons that your car key might get stuck in the ignition.
Dirt and debris are the most common reason for stuck car keys. The more grit that you pour into the ignition, the more friction will develop between the key's surface. This can make it difficult to turn the key or take it off.
Your key may also be damaged. Over time, your key will become worn down from regular use. You might even drop the key on a hard surface, bending or breaking it. Keys that are damaged can get stuck in the ignition because they won't fit properly.
Contacting a locksmith or auto service center is the best option in the event that your key is damaged. They can either replace the key for you or assist you in finding an improved, stronger key that will work better with your vehicle's lock cylinder. It's extremely risky to try to remove a damaged or damaged key by yourself, especially if this is your first time.
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 turning off the vehicle. This feature is meant to protect against theft but it can also stop you from getting the key out. To solve the issue place the car in Park and shake the gear selector. This usually unlocks your steering lock, which will allow you to take off your key.
It's also important to note that you shouldn't use brute force to remove keys from car ignition, since this could harm the ignition switch, or the key. Instead, you should get in touch with a professional locksmith assistance. They'll have the tools and expertise required to resolve the issue without causing further damage.
In addition to shaking the gear selector, you can also try using an extra key or tapping the end of the key using mallets. This can help eliminate any obstructions that could be preventing you from removing the key. If none of these options work, you should contact an auto lockout service in Montgomery to get help. They will have the tools and experience required to resolve the issue quickly and safely. They'll also be able to suggest alternative solutions to help you resolve the issue. Don't be worried if your ignition key is stuck! Follow these steps to solve the problem.
5. The key is stuck inside the battery
The key may get stuck in the battery of the car and not come out regardless of how many times you shake the key. It's best to consult an expert who has dealt with similar issues. They'll have the tools needed to safely extract your key without causing any further damage.
Another reason your key may be stuck in the ignition cylinder could be because of excessive wear and tear that happens over the course of time. The tiny pins that correspond to your car key inside the cylinder of ignition can be bent or collapse which makes it difficult to wiggle the keys, causing it to jam. Spraying WD-40 or a different kind of lubricant that is light on the key and wriggling it slowly can help loosen the pins over time making it easier to remove your car key from the ignition cylinder.
If you can't remove your stuck car key from the ignition, don't use excessive force. This could cause damage to the key as well as the cylinder of ignition. If you are unable to get your car key out of the ignition, use the tack-hammer, or try shifting the gears. If you're still unable to take your key out seek out an expert locksmith or mobile mechanic for assistance. They'll have the tools and expertise to solve the problem quickly. They'll also be able detect any other underlying issues in your ignition.
6. The key is stuck in the cylinder
During the course of driving, a car key takes many abuses. Closing it in a door, storing it in your pocket with loose change or throwing it over a hard surface all distort the key slightly each time. This wear eventually makes it more difficult to insert or extract the key. This can also make it easier for the internal tumbler pins to bind against the key's surface and cause it to wiggle around or become stuck.
If this is the case then use a flashlight to look inside the cylinder and locate any metal debris that might hinder it from turning smoothly. A quick clean with a degreaser can make the process go faster. Spray the lock cylinder by using WD-40 or graphite lubricant, using dry fluid. This will allow the springs and pins to move freely and allow the key to slide through and out effortlessly.
If none of this works try jiggling the steering wheel and key several times to see whether it helps. If the issue persists, call a local mechanic for advice or ask them to conduct an examination of the cylinder that controls the ignition. It may be time to replace it if this is the scenario. It is best to do it in the earliest time possible as you don't want to find yourself stranded with no way to start your car.