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Car Key Repair Tips With the right tips fixing your car keys is easy. You can avoid a lot of problems by making sure your locks and keys well-lubricated. Before you contact a locksmith or visit the dealership, try using pliers with needles and penetrating oil to take out the broken key from your ignition cylinder. Be gentle and patient to avoid causing further damage. 1. Knock on the ignition key You're at the petrol station, picking up groceries or heading home after a long day, when you insert your car keys in the ignition, but it doesn't turn. It can be a frustrating experience especially if your appointment is already overdue. There are a variety of things that could be wrong with your car keys. Fortunately, a lot of these issues are simple to repair. First, make sure the key isn't stuck. It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly pick the wrong key from the table or their keychain but if the key fits well in the cylinder and isn't soiled or loose it is likely to be able to start your car. Wiggle the key a few times inside the ignition, being careful not to scratch it with excessive force or pressure. If this doesn't work try graphite grease. Spray the lubricant in the cylinder, then insert the key, then remove it a few more times to spread the lubricant over the cylinder. If you're still unable to get your vehicle to start, it may be time to replace your key. If your key teeth are worn out, they'll struggle to engage the pins on the cylinder. A new key won't cost a lot but it's well worth it if your key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. If the gear selector is set to “P” (park), this could also prevent your car from starting. In this situation, you'll need to check the shift lever and make sure it's in the correct position to turn the key. If you're not comfortable repairing the issue yourself, consult a trusted professional at your local AutoZone store to pinpoint and fix the problem. 2. Lubricate the Ignition Socket The ignition switch may be stuck, preventing it from turning. If this is the situation, you can apply pressure with a screwdriver and see whether it turns. If it doesn't move then you'll need to replace it. Another reason your key might not work is because it's the wrong key for your car. This is a common error that many make and it's easy to fix. Make keys repair that the key has not been damaged or dropped. If you are sure that the key is in the correct position then lubricate it to remove any dirt particles that may be preventing it from turning. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as this will prevent dirt from accumulating and blocking the keyhole. If this isn't working the key cylinder could be blocked or worn out. If this is the case, you will need to replace the lock cylinder or have a new key made. You can also spray a bit of lubricant in the keyhole, and gently jiggle it. It's a good idea to try loosening any dirt that could hinder the key from entering the lock cylinder. It's time to replace the battery if it hasn't been done it in some time. It's simple to replace the battery in modern fobs. You just need to break the two halves with a screwdriver and pop out the old one. Insert the new battery in the same way and test it. If you're in the market for an auto key or replacement, go to your local Ace hardware store. You can also find auto parts and maintenance equipment, in addition to traditional keys and key fobs. 3. Check the Gear Selector A spare key for your car is a good idea. You never know when you might lose your main key or put it in the car. Having a spare can help you get back on the road faster and also save you money in the end. In the past, you could have an extra key cut at the local hardware store, or even the department for auto parts at your dealership. Today, however it's usually more cost-effective and practical to have a spare key made 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. This means bringing your vehicle to the mechanic regularly and taking care of your driving habits. This means you must always stop completely before 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 part is crucial to the functioning of your automatic transmission, and plays a crucial role in ensuring you're getting the most efficient performance from your vehicle. If you notice that it's becoming harder to change gears, or your car is beginning to struggle to translate your actions to the transmission, it's an indication that your selector bushing is required to be replaced. It's also an excellent idea to cut spare keys for your vehicle if the originals begin to wear out or become damaged. Although this might seem like an inconvenience, it's actually a far better alternative to having your car stolen or locked in the trunk! 4. Check the Battery The key fob's battery has a limited life span and will eventually need 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 do not respond quickly to pressing, it may be time to replace it. A new battery can bring back functionality to the button functions of the key. It is important to make sure that the new battery is inserted correctly. To accomplish this, carefully lift 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 an actual coin and include the plus and minus signs. Replace the battery using the same orientation to prevent external or internal damage. A misalignment of the tumblers of the key cylinder is a common issue that prevents the ignition key from turning. The key can be realigned by gently tapping it with a mallet made of rubber or the handle of the screwdriver. Over time, the cylinder of the key can also get blocked or even stuck. A small amount of penetrating oils can help remove any obstructions and help improve the speed of movement of the key inside the lock cylinder. In order to address this issue, it is recommended that you use either graphite or silicone spray. If the issue continues, it may be a serious issue with the ignition switch. A qualified auto technician should look at the switch professionally when this happens. It's risky to repair this part yourself without the proper instruction. This could result in further damage and costly repairs. It is crucial to hire an auto locksmith professional who is licensed and has experience. 5. Examine the Ignition Cylinder The ignition cylinder, when working correctly, ensures the key is snugly inserted into the ignition socket which allows the vehicle to be started. However, various problems can impede proper ignition cylinder function. The inability to turn a car key is a hassle. It could be due to mechanical issues such as a steering lock or an electronic component that is dead and stops theft, or electrical issues such as a power outage or a flat battery. This issue should be addressed immediately to avoid further complications like being stranded and incurring expensive repairs. It also helps ensure that the car is secure and safe. If your car's key doesn't turn, it usually means that there is a problem with the ignition switch or the key. Luckily, there are several options to address the issue. Clean the ignition cylinder and remove any obstructions by jiggling your steering wheel, examining the position of the gear selector, inspecting the key and possibly replacing it, examining the voltage and inspecting the key. These simple methods will help you fix many of the common issues. In rare cases, the ignition cylinder may need to be realigned to restore normal operation. Luckily, locksmiths who are professional and mechanics have the knowledge and the right tools to accomplish this delicate job. This process involves meticulously altering the internal components of the cylinder to ensure that they are aligned properly so that the key can slide into and smoothly within 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 with the original key or the ignition cylinder.