car key repair shop near me - Common Problems With Car Keys
It can be difficult to keep track of car keys. They can be damaged, bent, or even stolen.
Examine your bags and pockets for them. If you cannot find them Try jiggling your keys. This can help to eliminate any minor damage to the lock wafers within the cylinder.
1. The key is bent
One of the most common car keys issues is when they become bent. This is a possibility if you're using your key to open your trunk or to load groceries into it.
A locksmith is the ideal choice for this problem, as they have the right tools and know-how to remove the bent keys without damaging the lock or ignition. They can also make a new key for you on the spot which is especially useful when you own an updated, chip-embedded car key.
Chip-embedded keys have a special electronic transponder integrated into them that sends a unique signal to your vehicle's system and then tells it whether the key is legal. A locksmith can make this type of key, or you can purchase an alternative from your dealer. If you own an older key, it's easier to get an alternative one from the hardware or locksmith store.
Whatever type of key you own it's a good idea to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN) to ensure that you can provide it to the person who makes or repairs to your key. You can find the VIN on your dashboard or in the owner's guide. If you do decide to buy a replacement key it's a good idea to have the dealer program it to your car. This can take a few days and can cost you upwards of $200.
2. The key is stuck
The car key might be stuck for many reasons. Some of these reasons may be specific to a particular vehicle model or manufacturer, but most are universal. Here are some of the most frequently-cited reasons why your car keys could get stuck in the ignition.
Dirt and debris are the most common cause of a stuck car key. The more grit you get into the ignition, the more friction will occur between the key's surface. This can make it very difficult to turn or remove the key.
Another possibility is that your key is damaged. As time passes your key will begin to wear down due to regular use. You may even drop the key on the hard surface, which could result in it breaking or breaking it. Damaged keys can also become stuck in the ignition as they aren't fitted properly.
If your key is damaged the best course of action is to call a locksmith or auto service center for help. They can replace your key or assist you to find a stronger, newer key that works better with the lock cylinder in your vehicle. It's important to note that it is extremely dangerous and risky to attempt to remove a damaged or broken key yourself, especially when you're not familiar dealing with this type of issue prior to.
4. The key is stuck on the gear selector.
A lot of modern cars come with an option to lock the steering wheel whenever you attempt to move the wheel after shutting off the car. This feature is designed to stop theft, but it can also prevent you removing the keys. To resolve this issue, make sure the vehicle is in Park and then try shaking the gear selector. This will usually unlock the steering lock, allowing you to take off the key.
It's also important to remember that you shouldn't employ force to remove keys from car ignition, as this can cause damage to the ignition switch or the key. It is better to contact an experienced locksmith instead. They will have the tools and experience required to resolve the issue without causing further damage.
You can also tap the key's end with a mallet, or use an additional key, in addition to shaking it. This can help remove 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 for assistance. They'll 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 assist you in solving the problem. Don't panic if the ignition key gets stuck! Follow these easy steps to fix the issue.
5. The key is stuck in the battery.
The key can become stuck in the battery of the car and will not come out regardless of how hard you jiggle the key. If this happens, it's best to consult a professional who has experience dealing with these kinds of issues. They'll be equipped to safely extract your key without causing any further damage.
Another reason your key may be stuck in the ignition cylinder is because of excessive wear and tear that happens over the course of time. The tiny tumbler pins in the cylinder that match up with your car key could become bent or collapsed slightly, making it harder to wiggle the key and cause it to become stuck in its place. Spraying WD-40 or some other type of lubricant with a light touch 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're unable to remove the car key stuck in the ignition, do not use excessive force. This could damage the key and the ignition cylinder. If you're unable to pull your car key out of the ignition, try using a tack-hammer or try shifting the gears. If you're still not able to remove your key ask a mobile mechanic or locksmith for assistance. They'll have the tools and expertise to solve the issue swiftly. They'll also be able to diagnose any other underlying problems that may be affecting your ignition.
6. The key is lodged in the cylinder.
A car key is subjected to a lot of abuse during driving. Closing it in a door, keeping it in your pocket with loose change, or throwing it over a hard surface all distort the key a little bit each time. The wear eventually makes it harder to insert or extract the key. This can also cause internal tumblers to stick to the key's surfaces which causes it to wiggle or get stuck.
If this is the case you can use a torch inspect the cylinder for any metal debris that could hinder it from turning smoothly. A quick cleaning using a degreaser could make the process go faster. Then spray the lock's the cylinder with dry graphite lubricant such as WD-40. This will allow the pins and springs move freely, so that the key can slide in and out with ease.
If none of this is working, jiggle the steering wheel and the key back and forth several times to see if it helps. If the problem persists then contact a mechanic near you to seek advice or examine the cylinder that controls the ignition. If this is the case, it may be time to replace the ignition cylinder. It is recommended to do this as soon as possible, otherwise you may end up stranded without a way to start your car.