Auto Key Repair - Common Problems With Car Keys
Car keys break at most inconvenient times. These problems occur due to various reasons and are often difficult to fix.
To stop this from happening to you, implement strategies like lubricating your keyholes and having spare keys. Also, keep on the lookout for signs that your car keys needs to be replaced.
Ignition Cylinder Problems
It's not uncommon that the ignition cylinder wears out over time. If this happens, the key might not fit snugly in the ignition, or it might not turn. If left unattended the issue could become grave and result in the engine not working while you are driving. Fortunately, these issues can usually be solved by a locksmith in your area.
The most frequent sign of ignition cylinder problems is that your key won't turn on the ignition. This is caused by the tumblers inside the cylinder deteriorating and making it difficult to fit the key and make it necessary to fiddle around with it in order to get it to move. This issue can be corrected by spraying a silicone or graphite lubricant onto the key prior to insertion into cylinder.
Alternately, you could try tapping the cylinder lightly using the screwdriver's handle. This is an easy method to align your tumblers, without damaging the ignition cylinder or the key. Do not use excessive force when tapping the cylinder. Instead, you should use a mallet made of rubber or the handle of the screwdriver.
You could also be using the wrong key for your car. Different car brands have their own key profiles and security features and using the wrong type of key could prevent it from fitting into and turning the ignition cylinder in a proper manner. Check that the key hasn't been damaged, as this could hinder its ability to fit into the cylinder and turn. If you're not sure what kind of key you need, consult your car's manufacturer or dealer for assistance.
Bent Key
A bent key might seem ineffective, but it's actually not. It's still able open the lock, but not as quickly as it would be if it were straight. A bent key indicates flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to work with what you have. It is a way to show your resilience and to seek more understanding of the complexities of life's twists and turns.
You can try to straighten your car keys yourself by holding one end of the key using a pair of pliers and using your hands to bend it back to its original position. This is only a temporary solution and the key could misalign and re-align shortly afterward. Therefore, it's best to visit locksmiths as soon as you can to have the key properly fixed.
A locksmith with the right qualifications can repair a bent or broken key. But, it all depends on how serious the damage is as well as how well defined the cuts on the key are. In certain situations the key might need to be replaced completely. In these instances, it is important to have a spare car key so that you are able to get into your vehicle in case the lock is damaged once more. It's also a good idea to make sure that the key is cut correctly, so that it fits the lock and the ignition cylinder. This is especially important for Ford keys with the blade that is detached from the body of the key. These keys can be very difficult to cut precisely.
Gear Selector Issues
You can expect your Mercedes-Benz to perform as expected when you shift gears. If your car shakes when you make shifts, it could be an issue with the transmission. It is best to take it to the mechanic immediately. The gear selector is a tiny component of your transmission that may be difficult to determine however it is essential for ensuring your car performs as it is supposed to. A malfunctioning gear selector could result in your car shifting into the wrong gear and causing costly damage to the transmission.
It's good to be aware that Mercedes owners can avoid gear selection issues by maintaining their vehicles and performing regular maintenance. These steps can help keep dirt and debris from entering the gear selector. This is the primary reason for a poor selection of gears.
Gear selector issues can include difficulty moving through different positions, the inability to secure the position or even an ear-splitting sound when you shift. These issues can be traced back to mechanical issues that require professional diagnosis.
The most common cause of problems with the gear selector is the clutch in your transmission is worn or damaged. This can cause the gear selector to not be able to select the right gear and your Mercedes will start to shift into the incorrect gears. It is recommended to make regular appointments for maintenance with our team of mechanics. This will give us to identify small issues before they become costly problems for your Mercedes. In addition, it's recommended to use only the best transmission oil for your Mercedes. This will ensure that your transmission and engine aren't getting too hot, which can also cause gear selector issues.
Dead Battery
If you turn the car's ignition but it doesn't start, there is a good chance the battery is dying or dead. You'll need to replace the battery that is dead and is not able to be charged. There are many ways to revive and re-energize the battery back to its full strength.
Jumping a dead vehicle using another battery is the easiest way to fix the dead battery. This method utilizes two jumper cables to charge your vehicle. Make sure that you shut off the ignition in both vehicles and to connect the red (positive) cable from the battery in your working vehicle to the positive terminal of the dead battery. Then connect the black (negative) cable from the battery of your working vehicle back to an unpainted metal area like a clean bolt on the vehicle to ground it.
Another option to fix the battery that is dead is to recharge it with a charger. This is usually done with the lead acid 12 volt battery. If your battery is older than 3 years old, it may have been subjected to a natural process known as sulfation, which can cause permanent damage.
Sulfation happens when the negative plates within the battery form crystals of sulfate which reduce its capacity to receive and deliver electricity. This is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished with a basic charger and some common household items. You'll require safety goggles, safety rubber gloves an apron, a battery charger, a voltmeter jump starter, and other tools to complete the job.
Ignition Socket Problems
A key that won't turn in the ignition socket can be extremely frustrating. There are several solutions to this issue.
First, make sure there aren't any obstructions in the cylinder. Use a flashlight to see inside the cylinder and remove any obstructions. You can spray oil that penetrates the keyhole in order to make the broken piece easier to remove. Be careful not to get the oil on any electrical parts however.
Another alternative is to make use of a tackhammer to tap the ignition switch to loosen the pins within of it. This will allow them to drop, allowing you to turn and insert your key. Be auto key repair not to hit too hard, or you could damage the switch and other parts of your vehicle.
If you're still having trouble turning the key, it may be time to contact an expert. If you attempt to forcefully turn a damaged lock, it can cause more damage and even cause damage to the cylinder of the ignition. Professional locksmiths for automotive know the right methods and tools to remove broken keys without causing damage to your vehicle.
If your car's key doesn't turn in the ignition It's most likely due to a number of common issues. Examine the steering wheel, the gear selection, and battery before calling an expert. If you're not sure about any of these steps, check your owner's manual to find specific instructions or call an expert. A professional will assess your situation and give you the most appropriate advice. They can also identify any other issues you might have with the key or lock of your vehicle.