Car Keys Repair - Common Problems With Car Keys It can be difficult to keep track of car keys. They can be bent or broken, or stolen! Look through your bags and pockets for them. If you are unable to locate them Try jiggling your keys. This could help remove any small damage to the lock wafers inside the cylinder. 1. The key is bent One of the most frequent car keys problems is when it becomes bent. This could happen when you're using your keys to open your trunk or to load groceries into it. Generally, the best solution for this problem is to contact a locksmith, since they have the tools and know-how to take out the bent key without causing damage to the lock or ignition. They can also create a new key for you on the spot and is particularly helpful when you own a chip-embedded, modern car key. key fob repairs that are chip-embedded have an electronic transponder integrated into them that transmits a unique signal to your vehicle's system, which then tells it whether or not the key is legitimate. A locksmith can create this type of key or you can buy a replacement at the dealer. It's generally easier to replace a key that is older at the hardware store or locksmith in the event that you already have one. It's a great idea to write down the VIN (VIN) of your key, so that you can give it to anyone who fixes or makes repairs to it. You can locate the VIN on your dashboard or in the owner's manual. If you decide to buy a replacement, it is recommended to allow the dealer to program it for your car. This will take several days and can 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 certain car model or manufacturer, but most are universal. Here are a few of the most common ways that your car keys may become stuck in the ignition: Dirt and debris are the most common cause of stuck car keys. The more grit that you pour into the ignition, the more friction will develop between the key surfaces. This could make it difficult to turn the key or remove it. Your key might also be damaged. Over time, your key will wear down from regular use. You may even drop it on a hard floor and break or bend it in some way. Keys damaged by damage can also get stuck in the ignition because they won't fit properly. If your key is damaged, the best course of action is to call a locksmith or auto service center for help. They can repair your key or help you find a more durable key that will work better with the lock cylinder in your vehicle. It's important to note that it's very dangerous and risky to try to replace the damaged or broken key by yourself, particularly when you're not familiar dealing with this type of issue prior to. 4. The key is stuck in the gear selector Many modern vehicles have an option to lock the steering wheel in case you attempt to move it after turning off the vehicle. This feature is intended to protect against theft but it can also stop you from removing the key. To fix this issue, make sure the vehicle is in Park and try shaking the gear selector. This usually unlocks the steering lock, allowing you to take off the key. You should also be aware that using force could damage the ignition switch or the key. Instead, it's best to get in touch with a professional locksmith assistance. They'll have the tools and know-how necessary to resolve the issue without causing further damage. In addition to shaking the gear selector, you may also try using an extra key or tapping the end of the key with mallets. This can help remove any obstructions that could be blocking your ability to remove the key. If all of these options are unsuccessful, you should contact a locksmith in your car serving Montgomery for assistance. They will have the tools and experience required to solve the issue quickly and safely. They'll also be able to recommend any other solutions that may help you resolve the issue. Don't be worried if your ignition key becomes stuck! Follow these easy steps to solve the problem. 5. The key is snagged in the battery Sometimes keys get stuck in the car battery, and won't be released no matter how many times you jiggle it. If this is the case you should consult a professional who has experience dealing with such issues. They'll be equipped to safely extract your key without causing any further damage. The excessive wear and tear on the ignition cylinder can also cause your key to get stuck. The tiny pins that correspond to your car key in the ignition cylinder could become bent or collapsing slightly and making it difficult to wiggle the keys and making it difficult to remove them. Spraying WD-40 or another kind of light lubricant on the key can help loosen the pins over a period of time. If you're unable to remove the car key that is stuck in the ignition, don't use excessive force. This could damage the key and the ignition cylinder. Instead, if you're unable to free your car keys from the ignition, try cycling the shifter through different gears or using a tack hammer. If you're still unable to take your key out, consult an expert locksmith or mobile mechanic for assistance. They'll have the tools and know-how to handle the problem quickly. They will also be able diagnose any other underlying problems that may be affecting your ignition. 6. The key is stuck inside the cylinder Over the course of driving, a car key takes a lot of abuse. Closing it in a door, keeping it in your pocket with loose change or throwing it onto an un-porous surface will all deform the key slightly each time. This wear eventually makes it more difficult to insert or remove the key. This could also cause internal tumblers to adhere to the surface of the key, causing it to wiggle or get stuck. If this is the issue you can use a flashlight inspect the cylinder inside and locate any metal debris that could hinder it from moving smoothly. A quick clean with a degreaser can make the process go faster. Spray the lock cylinder, by using WD-40 or a graphite lubricant, with a dry lubricant. This will allow the springs and pins to move freely and allow the key to slide into and out easily. If none of this works try jiggling the steering wheel and the key back and forth for a few times to determine whether it helps. If the issue persists, call an experienced mechanic at your local location for assistance or ask them to conduct a closer inspection of the ignition cylinder. If this is the situation it might be time to replace the ignition cylinder. It is always better to do this sooner than later, otherwise you might find yourself stranded without a way to start the car.
key fob repairs
