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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems Whether it is a simple dirt buildup or something more serious, occasionally car keys can get stuck inside the door lock of your car. This is a common fix you can do at home. If you're unable to insert your key into the keyhole, it is a clear indication that the lock is blocked. To get it fixed you can apply grease to the keyhole. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Try lubricating the keyhole. You can try using sprays for lubrication, which you can find at most hardware stores. Spray G28 Car Keys on the lock, then turn the key a few times. This could help loosen the mechanism. If not, you might have to call a professional to fix it. Another method of lubricating the lock is to apply powdered graphite, or a graphite spray. This will coat the lock and make it easier to insert and remove. It will also lubricate the pins in the lock, which could become clogged with debris over time. You might also try to move the mechanism. It may take some time but it is a good way to unjam a car lock. It is possible to see the mechanism better by using a flashlight, or the flash on your phone. If you feel like you're progressing you can continue to jiggle until the locking and unlocking movements feel effortless. If the key is still not turning, you might need to take it apart and clean the lock mechanism. This isn't a job for a common person however if you're an avid tinkerer, this could be a fun project. You can also buy a specialized lubricant that is specifically that is specifically designed for locks. This type of lubricant can be thicker than general-purpose WD-40 and is more effective at loosening the frozen or stuck mechanism. You can also use an altered wire hanger to gain access to the lock on your vehicle. This method isn't 100% guaranteed to be successful, but it might be an option if all the other methods are unsuccessful. If the lock's cylinder has become damaged, it might be difficult to open the door of your car or start the engine. This is a serious problem and requires a professional repair or replacement. Use the spare key to start the vehicle until you can replace the damaged piece. If you don't have a spare key you can use an jigsaw to remove the broken piece of the key. 2. Lock the door. It is important that you regularly inspect your car's door locks and key mechanism. Cleaning the lock tumblers with silicone or graphite sprays will prevent debris from blocking them and causing your keys to not turn. You can also try coating the key in graphite powder to act as temporary lubricant. This will allow the key to move within the lock. It may be a good idea if you have a manual lock rather than an electronic lock. If the key is able to be inserted, but it is not turning, it is likely that there is an issue with the cylinder of the lock. This is a situation that can only be fixed by locksmith. It is also important to avoid making use of forceful entry techniques as this can damage the lock mechanism as well as the door. A long rod of metal can also be used to unlock a car. This rod is put into the lock. This method works best on older vehicles that have traditional mechanical locks, as modern vehicles are designed to be more difficult to break into. In some cases, a wooden wedge or air wedge may be used to create space in the gap between the door and window. A screwdriver or metal rod can then be inserted in the gap to make it easier to unlock. This technique is difficult to master and doesn't guarantee success, as it is dependent on the vehicle's specific make. In an emergency, you will need to improvise and spend some time. You should always keep tools in your vehicle. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA offer kits that contain a wire hook and other tools. They can be extremely useful in the event of an emergency. Additionally, local security or police departments usually have small jims that can also be used to open a vehicle. Check your auto insurance policy, as many policies provide roadside assistance or lockout services. 3. Unlock the Ignition It is possible to fix a simple problem if your car key isn't turning in the ignition. First, make sure the car is in Park before you attempt to remove the key. The steering wheel is designed to lock when the key is removed to stop theft. Sometimes, people shut off the car in a hurry, but forget to rotate the key cylinder to Park. This could cause the wheel to become locked and the key to become stuck in the ignition. If this occurs, grab the wheel and jiggle it back and forth while turning the key. If it works the key will eventually unlock and you can begin to drive. Another reason why a car key can become stuck in the ignition is because it could have foreign materials inside. Lint from your pocket adhesive from tape or even corrosion due to rust can sometimes cause the pins inside the ignition to not align properly. This can cause the key to not turn when it is inserted into the lock. A quick cleaning with compressed air is usually enough to fix this. You could also try lubricating the lock mechanism with an oil-based spray made of silicone. This will help clean the dirt and grease that can often cause a car keys to become jammed in an ignition. If the lubricant doesn't work, you should contact an expert locksmith. If you have a new mechanical key but the ignition isn't turning, it may be time to try bumping the cylinder that controls the ignition. It's a fairly simple procedure that involves spraying WD-40 on the key, inserting it into the ignition, and then using the handle of a large screwdriver to “bump” the cylinder that holds the key. This usually releases one or two misaligned wax wafers that block the ignition from turning. If this doesn't work you, you may need to go to a mechanic or car service center and purchase an entirely new ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key There may be no other option but to call a locksmith to fix the lock. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock prior to calling a locksmith. If the key doesn't work, it could be an indication that the cylinder in the lock is damaged and needs to be replaced. You can replace the cylinder yourself, or have a locksmith replace it for you. The cost can vary depending on the model and make of your car and whether you require a transponder key or a traditional key. There is also the possibility of having a worn-out key. In this instance it's possible that lubricating the hole in your key will help, but it's likely that you'll require having your key replaced completely. If you own a traditional key, you can get one made at the local hardware store for about $10, however smart keys or transponders may require the services of locksmith. A common issue is that the key is bent, which can cause the lock jam when you try to use it. To resolve this issue you can straighten the key as far as you can using needle-nose pliers, but be careful not to apply too much pressure or force, since this could cause damage to the mechanism of the lock. You could also try using WD-40 to grease and unblock the lock. It's important to note that in the event that your keyfob's not working it may be time to replace the batteries. It is possible to purchase replacement batteries on the internet or at many auto shops, but it's worth checking your vehicle's warranty to see whether this is covered under the conditions. If your car isn't starting and you're worried that the ignition switch is stuck, you should first look for the VIN (vehicle identification number) that is usually located on the driver's dashboard. This will help you locate the right person for assistance. You can also reach out to your dealer, or visit the website of the manufacturer to learn more about specific problems with your car.