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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems If it's the result of a simple buildup of dirt or more serious, occasionally car keys can get stuck inside the lock of your car door. This is usually a simple fix that you can carry out at home. If you are unable inserting your key into the keyhole of the lock, it is likely that the lock has jammed. To fix this you can apply grease to the keyhole. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Try lubricating the keyhole. You can use an lubricant spray that is available at many hardware stores. Spray it onto the lock and then work the key into and out a few times. This may help unjam the mechanism. If this doesn't work then you might need to call in an expert. Another method of lubricating the lock is to apply powdered graphite, or a graphite spray. This will coat the lock, making it easier to remove and insert. It will also lubricate the pins within the lock, which can be clogged by debris as time passes. You might also try to move the mechanism. It might take some time but this method can often unjam a car lock. If you're using an external light source or a flashlight from your phone, you can see the mechanism more clearly. If you feel like you're making progress, keep moving the lever until the locking and unlocking functions appear effortless. If the lock is not turning, you might require to disassemble the lock and clean the lock mechanism. This isn't something that's appropriate for the average person, but if you are an avid tinkerer, this could be an enjoyable project. You can also buy a specialty lubricant designed for locks. This type of lubricant is thicker than general-purpose WD-40 and can be more effective in loosening an impervious or frozen mechanism. You can also make use of a modified wire hanger in order to gain access to the vehicle lock. This method isn't 100% guaranteed to work, but it may be an option if the other methods are unsuccessful. If the lock cylinder has been damaged, it could be difficult to open the door or even start the car. This is a serious issue and requires a professional repair or replacement. If you have a spare key you should use this to start the vehicle until you are able to repair the damaged part. If you don't have a spare key, you could try using the jigsaw blade to cut off the damaged piece of the key. 2. Unlock the door It is essential to regularly check the door locks and key mechanism. Periodic cleanings with a silicone spray or graphite spray can prevent debris from blocking the lock tumblers, causing your key to fail to turn. You can also try coating the key in graphite powder to act as temporary lubricant. This allows the key to move around within the lock. It may be a viable option if your vehicle has a manual lock instead of an electronic one. If the key is able to be inserted, but not turned it is most likely that there is an issue with the lock cylinder. This is a problem that is only fixable by a locksmith. It is also essential to avoid using forceful entry techniques, as this can damage the lock mechanism and the door. Another way to open a locked vehicle is using a long metal rod that can be placed inside the lock. This method works best on older cars that have traditional mechanical locks as modern vehicles are designed to be harder to crack. In certain situations wood wedges or an air wedge could be used to create space in the gap between the window and door. Then either a screwdriver, or a rod of steel can be placed into the gap to unlock the door. This technique is difficult to master, and it doesn't ensure success, as it is dependent on the vehicle's specific make. A lot of these strategies require some improvising and time, so it is important to always have some sort of tool in your vehicle to access in case of an emergency. Roadside assistance services like AAA provide kits with wire hangers and other tools, and they can be useful in the event of a need. In addition, local security or police departments typically have slim jims, which can also be used to unlock a vehicle. Make sure to check your insurance policy, as many policies provide roadside assistance or lockout services. 3. Unlock the ignition It is possible to fix a simple problem when your car key won’t turn in the ignition. First, ensure that the vehicle is in Park before you attempt to remove the key. The steering wheel is designed to lock when keys are removed to protect against theft. Sometimes G28 forget to place the key cylinder in Park after they turn off their vehicle. This can result in the key becoming stuck in the ignition and the wheel to lock. If this happens, grab hold of the wheel and move it back and forth as you turn the key. If it works, you'll be able to start your vehicle when the key unlocks. A foreign object could be inside the key. Lint in your pocket, tape or corrosion can cause the pins to not align correctly. This can also cause the key to not turn when inserted into the lock cylinder. A quick clean with a can of compressed air can usually fix this. You can also try applying lubrication to the lock mechanism using a silicone-based spray. This will help to remove grease and dirt that often cause a car key to become jammed in the ignition. If the lubricant does not work it is possible to call a locksmith in your area to help. If you've got a brand new mechanical key, but the ignition still won't turn, it may be time to consider bumping the ignition cylinder. This is a relatively easy procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it partway into the ignition, then using the handle of a large screwdriver to “bump” the key cylinder. This will usually free up one or two wax wafers that are not aligned that are preventing the ignition from turning. If this does not work, you may need to visit an auto mechanic or a service station and get a replacement ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key You might not have a choice but to contact a locksmith to fix the lock. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock before calling a locksmith. If the key isn't working it could be an indication that the cylinder in the lock is damaged and needs to be replaced. You can replace the cylinder on your own, or ask a locksmith to replace it for you. The cost will depend on your car's make and model as well as whether you need an transponder or traditional keys. You could also have an out-of-date key. In this instance it's possible that lubricating the hole in your key will aid, but it's more likely that you will require your key replaced completely. If you own a traditional key, you can have one made at the local hardware store for $10, but smart keys or transponders may require the services of locksmith. The most frequent issue is that the key itself gets bent, and this can cause the lock stop working when you attempt to use it. You can straighten the key using needle-nosed pliers to fix the issue. Be cautious not to apply excessive force or pressure, as it can damage the mechanism of the lock. You can also apply a small amount of WD-40 to lubricate the lock, and then release it. It's also worth noting that, in the event that your keyfob's not working it could be time to replace the batteries. You can buy replacement batteries online or at many auto shops. But, it's essential to check your vehicle's warranty terms to determine if they cover this. If you're unable to start your car and you think the ignition switch may be faulty, find the VIN (vehicle ID number) located on the dashboard of the driver. This will enable you to find the right people for assistance. If you prefer, you can call your dealer or visit the manufacturer's website to learn more about your car's particular problems.