Car Key Repair Tips
If you follow the right guidelines, car key repair is easy. Keep your keys and lock cylinders properly lubricated to avoid numerous problems.
Use a needle-nose pliers to remove the broken piece of key from the ignition cylinder before calling an expert locksmith or dealer. Be sure to avoid causing more damage by being patient and gentle.
1. Knock the key ignition
You're at the gas station, buying groceries or you're just going home after an exhausting day at work when your car won't start. It can be a huge hassle, especially if you're already behind on your appointment.
There are many things that could be wrong with your car keys. Fortunately, a lot of these problems are easy to repair. First, make sure the key is in fact stuck. It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly pick the wrong key from the table or their keychain however, if the key fits snugly in the cylinder and isn't dirty or loose it is likely to be able to start your car.
Make sure to turn the key a few times inside the ignition, being careful not to scratch it with too much force or pressure. If the key is still not working, try using some graphite lubricant. Spray it on the cylinder and then insert and take the key out a few times to work the lubricant into all the wards of the cylinder.
If you are unable to start your car, it may be time to replace the key. If the teeth on your key are worn, they'll struggle to engage the pins on the cylinder. The purchase of a new key isn't expensive, and it will be worth the investment in the event that you're constantly finding your car key stuck in the ignition.
If the gear selector is set to "P" (park), this could also prevent your car from being started. In this instance, you should check the shifter and make sure that it's in the proper position to turn the key. If you're not confident about fixing the issue yourself, have an experienced technician from an AutoZone store identify and repair the problem.
2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket
The ignition switch could be blocked and is preventing it from turning. If this is the case, apply pressure using a screwdriver and see if it will budge. If it does not move it is time to replace it.
It's possible that you've got the wrong key. This is a common mistake that many people make, and it's easy to repair. Make sure that the key hasn't been damaged or dropped.
If you're confident that you have the correct one, you can lubricate it. This will remove any dirt particles that could be preventing it from turning. A silicone-based lubricant is the best, as it will prevent dirt from building up and blocking the keyhole in the future. If this isn't working, the key cylinder might be blocked or worn out. If so, you'll have to get a new car key made or replace the lock cylinder.
You can also spray a bit of lubricant in the keyhole, and gently move it. It's worth trying to loosen any dirt that may be preventing the key from getting into the lock cylinder.
It's time for you to change the battery if you haven't done so in some time. It's simple to replace the battery in modern fobs. You just need to break the two halves with an screwdriver and remove the old one. Then, you can insert the new one in the same manner and test it.
If you're in the market for an auto key or replacement, go to your local Ace hardware store. In addition to traditional keys and key fobs you'll find a broad selection of automobile accessories and maintenance tools as well.
3. Check the Gear Selector
When it concerns your vehicle having a spare car key is an excellent idea. After all, you never know when you'll lose your primary key or have it locked inside the vehicle. A spare key can get you back to the road more quickly and also save you money over time. In the past, you could have an extra key cut at the local hardware store or even in the department of auto parts of your dealership. Today, however, it's generally more cost-effective and convenient to have a spare key cut at an automotive locksmith.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your Mercedes Benz in optimal condition is to treat routine maintenance seriously. remote key fob repair means going to the mechanic regularly for maintenance and paying close attention to your driving habits. This means you must always stop completely prior to changing gears and using the correct method when using the drive-away function.
Another essential aspect of taking care of your Mercedes Benz is to be aware of any issues that may arise with the bushing for the gear selector. This small component is crucial to the operation of your automatic transmission, and plays a major part in ensuring you're getting the most efficient performance from your vehicle. If you are noticing it's becoming harder to shift gears, or your vehicle isn't translating your actions to the transmission, the selector bushing may require replacement.
It's also recommended to cut spare keys for your vehicle when the originals begin to wear out or break down. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it's better than having your car stolen or locked inside the trunk.
4. Check the Battery
The battery inside the fob's key has a limited life span and will eventually have to be replaced. The fob's power is used to send signals from the fob to the key cylinder.
If the buttons on the key fob no longer respond promptly when pressed, it could be time to replace the battery. A new battery can restore functionality of the keys' buttons. It is crucial to make sure that the new battery has been installed correctly. To do this take care to remove the key fob with the flat screwdriver or coin and inspect the old battery for the proper orientation. The battery should look like the shape of a coin, with an plus sign and a negative sign. Insert the new battery in the same orientation as the previous one to prevent any damage.
One of the most common issues that hinder the key from turning the ignition is a misalignment in the tumblers in the key cylinder. The key can be re-aligned by gently tapping it using a mallet made of rubber, or the screwdriver's handle.
In time, the key cylinder may also become clogged or stuck. A small amount of lubricant with penetrating properties will help remove any obstructions, and help improve the movement of the key inside the lock cylinder. It is advised to use silicone spray or graphite lubricant when addressing this problem. If the problem persists it could be a serious problem with the ignition switch. A certified auto technician should look at the switch with care if this is the case. It's a risk to repair this part yourself if you don't have the right instruction. This could result in additional damage and expensive repairs. This is the reason it's so important to seek the assistance of an experienced and licensed auto locksmith.
5. Check the ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder, when functioning properly, ensures that the key fits perfectly into the ignition socket, allowing the vehicle to be started. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. From mechanical issues like a lock for the steering wheel or a dead anti-theft electronic component to electrical issues such as a power outage or a dead battery, inability to turn the ignition key can be a major hassle. Addressing this problem promptly helps to avoid further issues like being stranded or incurring costly repairs, while also making sure that the vehicle remains reliable and safe to drive.
A car key that isn't able to turn on normally indicates underlying issues with either the ignition or the key switch. There are fortunately, a variety of practical solutions for addressing the problem. This includes using the steering wheel to jiggle, verifying the position of the gear selector, inspecting and possibly replacing the key, evaluating the battery voltage, and cleaning the cylinder of the ignition to clear obstructions. These simple methods will help you fix numerous common problems.
In some rare cases it might be necessary to adjust the cylinder in the ignition to restore normal function. Professional mechanics and locksmiths are armed with the specialized tools and expertise to perform this delicate job. This involves meticulously changing the internal components of the cylinder to ensure that they are properly aligned so that the key can be inserted and smoothly turn inside the ignition. This can greatly extend the lifespan of your ignition system, while also maintaining optimal performance and reliability. If you have an extra key, you can try using it to determine if the problem is related to the key that was originally used or the ignition cylinder.