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Car Key Repair Tips Repairing your car keys can be simple with the right advice. Keep your locks and keys well lubricated to avoid many problems. Before you call a locksmith, or visit the dealership, you can try using pliers with needles and penetrating oils to remove a broken piece of key from the cylinder of your ignition. Be gentle and patient to avoid causing more damage. 1. Knock on the ignition key You're at the gas station, you're buying groceries or heading home after a long workday when your car won't start. It can be very frustrating particularly if you're behind on your appointment. There are a variety of things that could be wrong with your car keys. Fortunately, a lot of these issues are easy to repair. First, make sure the key isn't stuck. It's normal for people to grab the wrong key off of the table or keychain. If the key is securely inserted into the cylinder, and not loose or dirty, then it's likely to work. Wiggle the key a few times in the ignition, taking care not to cause damage by applying too much force or pressure. If that doesn't work, try some graphite grease. Spray it into the cylinder and insert and take off the key several times to push the lubricant through all sides of the cylinder. If you're still unable to get your car to start, it could be time to replace your key. If the teeth of your key are worn it will be difficult to get them to engage the pins in the cylinder. A new key will not cost much, but it's worth the money if your key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. If the gear selector is set to “P” (park), this may also stop your car from starting. In this situation, you need to check the shifter and make sure that it's in the correct position to turn the key. If you're not confident in fixing the issue yourself, you can ask an expert at your local AutoZone store to diagnose and fix the issue. 2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket The ignition switch could be stuck, which prevents it from turning. If this is the case, apply pressure using a screwdriver to determine whether it will move. If not, you will need to replace it. It's possible that you've got the wrong key. This is a mistake many people make, but it's simple to fix. Verify that the key has not been damaged or dropped. If you're sure that the key is in the correct position then lubricate it to remove any dirt particles that could hinder it from turning. A silicone-based lubricant works best because it prevents dirt from building up and blocking the keyhole in the future. If this doesn't work the key cylinder could be clogged or worn out. If this is the case, you will need to replace the lock's cylinder, or get a new one made. You can also spray a bit of lubricant in the keyhole, and gently play with it. This can loosen any dirt that could be blocking the key from getting into the lock cylinder, and it's worth a try. If you haven't changed the batteries in your key fob in the last few months, it might be the time to do so. Changing the battery on modern fobs is fairly simple and is usually a taking the halves open with an screwdriver to their seams and then removing the old one. Then, insert the new one the same way and test it. Ace Hardware is the best place to go when you need a new car key. In addition to traditional keys and key fobs, you can find a full assortment of auto accessories and maintenance tools too. 3. Check the Selector of the Gear Selector When it comes to your vehicle having a spare car key is a good idea. You never know when you'll lose your primary key or lock it inside the vehicle. A spare key can get you back on the road quicker and can save you money over time. In the past keys for spares could be made at the local hardware store or in the auto parts department at the dealership. It's more convenient and economical to have a spare key cut by an automotive locksmith in the present. One of the most important ways to keep your Mercedes Benz in optimal condition is to treat routine maintenance seriously. This means taking your car to a mechanic for regular maintenance and paying close attention to your driving habits. This includes ensuring that you always come to a complete stop before changing gears and employing the correct technique when using the drive-away feature. Be aware of any issues with the bushing for the gear selector when you take care of your Mercedes Benz. This tiny component is essential to the functioning of your automatic transmission and plays a major part in ensuring you're getting the best performance from your vehicle. If you notice it is getting harder to change gears, or if your vehicle isn't able to translate your actions to the transmission, the selector bushing may require replacement. It's also recommended to have spare keys cut to fit your vehicle when the original keys begin to wear out or become damaged. This may be a hassle, but it's much better than having your vehicle taken away or locked in 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. A car's ignition system relies on the fob's battery in order to send signals to the key cylinder. If the buttons on the key fob no longer respond promptly to a press, it could be time to replace it. A new battery can restore functionality to the key's button functions. It's essential to ensure that the new battery is installed correctly. To do this, carefully open the keyfob with a flat-headed screwdriver or coin and check the battery that was used to ensure it's placed correctly. The battery should resemble a coin and have an X and minus symbol. Place the new battery in the same direction as the original one to avoid damage. A misalignment of the tumblers of the key cylinder is one common issue that prevents the ignition key from turning. The key can be realigned by tapping it gently with a mallet made of rubber or the handle of the screwdriver. In time, the cylinder for the key can also get blocked or even stuck. A small amount penetrating oil can help remove any obstructions and help improve the flow of the key inside the lock cylinder. If you are trying to solve this issue it is recommended that you use graphite or silicone spray. It is crucial to note that if the issue continues after following these suggestions there is a serious problem with the ignition switch, which should be professionally assessed by a certified auto technician. Repairing this part without proper training could cause further damage and costly repairs. This is why it's essential to seek the assistance of an experienced and licensed professional auto locksmith. 5. Check the ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder is a complex piece of machinery that, when operating properly, ensures that the key fits snugly into the ignition socket and allows the vehicle to start. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. The inability to turn a car key can be a frustrating. It could be caused by mechanical issues such as a steering lock an electronic component that has failed and hinders theft, or electrical issues, like a power failure or a battery that is dead. This issue must be resolved immediately to avoid further complications like being stuck and incurring expensive repairs. It also helps ensure that the car is secure and safe. A car key that doesn't turn on normally signals underlying problems with either the key or the ignition switch. There are many solutions to the issue. These include using the steering wheel to jiggle to check the gear selector's position as well as inspecting and replacing the key, examining the battery's voltage, and cleaning the ignition cylinder to remove obstructions. These simple methods can assist you in fixing numerous common problems. In rare instances it is possible to realign the ignition cylinder to restore normal function. Fortunately, professional locksmiths and mechanics possess the expertise and specialized tools to perform this delicate task. This process involves meticulously changing the internal components of the cylinder to ensure that they are aligned properly, allowing the key to be inserted and smoothly turn inside the ignition. Doing car key repair cost can dramatically extend the lifespan of your ignition system while also maintaining optimal performance and reliability. If you have an additional key, use it to see if the problem is with the original key.