It's A Key Repair Success Story You'll Never Imagine
Auto Key Repair – Common Problems With Car Keys Car keys are often damaged at the worst possible times. These problems can occur for a variety of reasons and are difficult to repair. You can avoid this by lubricating the keyholes, and storing spare keys. Be looking for signs that your key needs to be replaced. Ignition Cylinder Issues It's not unusual that the ignition cylinder wears out over time. When this occurs the key may not fit well in the ignition, or it may not turn when it is left unattended, this issue can grow more serious and lead to your engine shutting off while you drive. Locksmiths can fix these problems. The most frequent sign of an ignition cylinder problem is that the key won't move in the ignition. This is due to the tumblers within the cylinder wearing out and causing it to be hard to fit the ignition key in. It is possible to fiddle or jiggle with it until it starts to move. This problem can often be fixed by spraying silicone or graphite lubricant onto the key before inserting it into the cylinder. Alternately, you could try tapping the cylinder lightly using the handle of a screwdriver. This is an easy way to realign your tumblers without damaging the ignition cylinder or the key. However, it is recommended to use a rubber mallet or the screwdriver's handle to tap the cylinder, and not use too much force. You could also use the wrong type of key for your vehicle. A key that isn't the correct type could prevent the ignition cylinder from functioning properly. Different car brands have different key profiles and security features. You should also check that the key isn't damaged in any way because it could hinder its ability to fit into and turn the cylinder. If you're unsure of the type of key you need check with the manufacturer of your vehicle or dealer for assistance. Bent Key A bent key might seem ineffective, but it's actually not. It's still able open the lock, just not as easily as it would if it were straight. The appearance of a bent key in your life is usually an indication that you have to be flexible, adaptable and willing to make do with the things you have instead of trying to make it fit into the roles that society expects you to fulfill. It inspires you to embrace resilience and to seek deeper understanding of the complexity of life's twists and turns. You can straighten your own car key by using pliers to hold one end and then bending it back to its original position. This is only an interim solution and the key could be misaligned again in the near future. Therefore, it is recommended to see locksmiths as soon as possible to have the key properly fixed. A locksmith with the right expertise can repair a bent or broken key. However, it depends on how severe the damage is as well as how well defined the cuts on the key are. In some cases the key might need to be replaced completely. In these cases you'll need to ensure that you have a spare key made so that you can get back into your vehicle in the event that the lock is damaged in the future. It's also a good idea to ensure that the key is cut correctly, so that it fits the lock and the ignition cylinder. This is particularly important for Ford keys where the blade separates from the body. These keys are typically difficult to cut accurately. Gear Selector Issues You expect your Mercedes-Benz to behave properly when you shift gears. If your car shakes when you make shifts it could be a transmission problem. It is recommended to have it checked right away. The gear selector, a small component of your transmission, can be difficult to determine but is crucial for your car to function as it should. A malfunctioning gear selector can cause your car to shift into the wrong gear, causing costly damage to the transmission. It's important to be aware that Mercedes owners can avoid issues with gear selection by maintaining their vehicles and performing routine maintenance. These steps can help keep dirt and debris from getting into the gear selector. This is the primary reason for a bad gear selection. Gear selector problems can include difficulties moving between positions, failure to lock into place, or a clunking noise when shifting. These problems can often be caused by mechanical issues that require professional diagnosis. The clutch in your transmission can be worn out or damaged. This can result in the gear selector not being able select the correct gear, or your Mercedes shifting into the incorrect gears. It is best to schedule regular maintenance appointments with our team of mechanics. This will give us the opportunity to detect small issues before they become expensive problems for your Mercedes. It's also recommended for your Mercedes to use top-quality transmission oils. This will ensure that your transmission and engine aren't overheated or getting too hot, which could also cause gear selector issues. Dead Battery If your car doesn't start when you turn the key it's likely that the battery is dying or dead. You'll need to replace batteries that are completely dead and is not able to be charged. There are many ways to revive and restore the battery back to its full strength. One of the easiest ways to solve dead batteries is to jump it using another vehicle operating. This process uses two jumper cables to provide the power to 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 your dead battery. Then connect the black (negative) cable from the battery of your working vehicle back to an unpainted metal area such as a clean bolt the vehicle to ground it. Another option to repair dead batteries is to charge it with a charger. This is typically done with an acid lead 12 volt battery. If your battery is older than three years, it could have gone through an unnatural process known as sulfation which could cause permanent damage. Sulfation occurs when the negative plates inside your battery develop a layer of sulfate crystals that limit its ability to take in and provide electricity. This is a relatively easy procedure that can be accomplished with a basic charger and some everyday items. To complete the task you'll need safety goggles and rubber gloves, along with batteries, chargers and jump starters, a voltage meter and an apron. Ignition Socket Problems It can be a hassle to have a key that won't turn. However, there are a few solutions you can try to fix the problem. First, ensure that there aren't any obstructions in the cylinder. If there are, you can use a flashlight to inspect the inside and take the object out. TheKeyLab can spray penetrating oils into the keyhole to make the broken part easier to remove. Be cautious not to spill the oil on any electrical parts however. Another option is to make use of a tackhammer to tap the ignition switch to loosen the pins inside of it. This will enable them to fall and allow you to insert your key and turn it. You could damage your switch and other parts if you hit too hard. If you're having difficulty turning the key, it might be time to consult a professional. Forcefully trying to turn a damaged key can cause further damage, and possibly cause damage to the ignition cylinder. Professional automotive locksmiths know the best techniques and tools to extract broken keys without damaging your vehicle. If your car's key does not turn in the ignition it is likely due to a variety of common issues. Check the steering wheel, gear selection, and battery before calling a professional. If you're not sure of the steps listed above, refer to your owner's guide for specific directions, or call a professional. A professional will be able to assess the situation and provide the most appropriate advice on how to proceed. They will also be able to identify any other problems you may encounter with your key or lock of your vehicle.