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How to Repair Car Key Lock Problems If it's a simple buildup of dirt or more serious, sometimes car keys can get stuck inside the door lock of your car. Luckily, this is an easy fix that you can do at home. If you are unable to insert your key in the keyhole of the lock, it is likely that the lock has been jammed. You can fix it by applying the keyhole with lubricant. 1. Lubricate the Keyhole Keyhole You can try lubricating your keyhole. You can purchase lubricant in the majority of hardware stores. Spray it onto the lock and then push the key in and out several times. This could help loosen the mechanism. If it doesn't work, you might need to contact an expert to fix it. You can also grease your lock with graphite powder or graphite spray. This will coat the mechanism that locks it and make it easier for you to insert and remove. This will also help to clean and lubricate the pins inside the lock, which could become blocked with time. You can also try to wiggle the mechanism. It will likely take a while, but it can often get a car lock unjammed. It is possible to see the mechanism more clearly using a flashlight, or the flash on your phone. If it appears that you're making progress, keep jiggling until the locking and unlocking functions feel effortless. If the lock is not turning, you may require to disassemble the lock and clean the lock mechanism. This isn't a job for everyone however if you're an enthusiast of tinkering, this could be an enjoyable project. You can also purchase a lubricant specifically made for locks. This type of lubricant can be more robust than the general-purpose WD-40 and is more effective at loosening a stuck or frozen mechanism. You could also use an altered wire hanger to gain access to the lock on your vehicle. This method isn't guaranteed to work but may be an alternative if all other methods fail. If the lock's cylinder is broken, it can be difficult to open the door or even start the car. This is a serious issue and requires professional repair or replacing. If you have a spare key, you should use this to start the car until you can repair the damaged part. If you don't have a spare key, you could make use of a jigsaw for cutting the broken piece of the key. 2. Unlock the Door It is important to periodically examine your car door locks and key mechanisms. Cleaning the lock tumblers with graphite or silicone sprays can keep debris from blocking them and causing keys to not turn. Alternately, you could try coating the key with graphite powdered to create an indefinite fluid. This will allow the key to jiggle inside the lock. It could be a viable option if your vehicle has manual locks instead of an electronic lock. If the key is able to insert but it isn't turning the lock, it is likely to be an issue with the lock cylinder, an issue that must be fixed by a professional locksmith. It is also essential to avoid making use of forceful entry techniques because this could damage the lock mechanism as well as the door. Another way to open the car that is locked is to use a long metal rod that can be inserted into the lock. This method works best for older vehicles with traditional mechanical locks, since modern cars are designed to be harder to break into. In certain instances, a wooden wedge or air wedge can be used to create space in the gap between the door and window. A screwdriver or metal rod can then be inserted into the gap to unlock it. This technique isn't easy to master, and it doesn't guarantee success, as it is dependent on your car's make and model. A lot of these strategies require some improvising and time, so you should always have a tool in your vehicle that you can access in the event of an emergency. Roadside assistance companies such as AAA offer kits that include wire hooks as well as other tools. They can be extremely useful in the event of an emergency. Additionally local police or security departments typically have slim jims, which can also be used to open a vehicle. Make sure you check your auto insurance policy for any policies that provide roadside assistance and lockout services. 3. Unlock the Ignition If your car key won't engage in the ignition It is usually due to a simple problem that can easily be resolved. First, make sure the car is in Park before trying to remove the key. To stop theft, the steering wheel locks when the key is removed. Sometimes, replacement car door locks shut off the vehicle in a hurry, but forget to rotate the key cylinder into Park. This could result in the key becoming stuck in the ignition, causing the wheel to stop. If this occurs, grab the wheel and gently jiggle it back and forth while turning the key. If it works, you'll be able to start your vehicle as soon as the key is released. Another reason why keys for cars can get stuck in the ignition is that it may have foreign material inside. The lint in your pocket or on the tape can cause the pins to not align correctly. This can also cause the key to not turn when it is inserted into the lock. This can be fixed with a quick cleaning using compressed air. You can also grease the lock mechanism with a silicone-based spray. This will help clean the grease and dirt that frequently cause a car key to get stuck in the ignition. If the lubricant doesn't work, you can always call an expert locksmith in your area for assistance. If you've purchased a new mechanical key but the ignition still won't turn it's possible to test bumping the cylinder that controls the ignition. This is a simple procedure that involves spraying WD-40 onto the key and inserting it partially into the ignition. Then, using a heavy screwdriver handle, “bump” or “squeeze” the cylinder of the key. This usually releases one or two wax wafers that are misaligned that are preventing the ignition from turning. If this isn't working, you might need to visit an auto repair or mechanic station and purchase a new ignition cylinder. 4. Replace the Key Locked out of your car can be a major hassle and you may be left with no option but to contact an expert locksmith or repair service to have the lock repaired. There are a few things that you can do to fix the lock prior to calling someone. If the lock itself isn't working properly, this could be a sign that the cylinder in the lock has been damaged and requires replacing. You can either replace the cylinder yourself or employ a locksmith. The cost will vary depending on the car's make and model and whether you need a transponder or a traditional key. You may also have an old key. In this case it's possible that lubricating the hole in your key will assist, but it's highly likely that you will require your key replaced entirely. You can create a traditional key at your local hardware shop for just $10. A transponder key or smart key will require the services of a locksmith. A common issue is that the key itself becomes bent, and this could cause the lock to become stuck when you try to use it. You can straighten the key with needle-nosed pliers in order to fix the issue. Be cautious not to use excessive pressure or force to cause damage to the mechanism of the lock. You can also apply a little bit of WD-40 to grease the lock and then unjam it. Also, it's important to note that if your key fob isn't working, it might simply be time to replace the battery. You can purchase replacement batteries online or at the majority of auto shops, however it's a good idea to check your vehicle's warranty to determine whether this is covered under the conditions. If your car won't start and you're concerned that the ignition switch could be stuck, you should first locate the VIN (vehicle identification number) which is typically located on the driver's side dashboard. This will enable you to contact the right people to get help. You can also contact your dealer or go to the manufacturer's site to learn more about specific problems with your car.