What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or lost. In most cases, these issues can be dealt with by an auto locksmith.
Key fobs are often jostled around, and adjusting the buttons can allow them to function properly again. If the replacement of the battery doesn't work, you may need to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though the old jingling keys to cars are long gone, the fact is that a lot of cars still have key fobs. These fobs are useful however, when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. This is why they must be kept fully charged at all times. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, and the battery of your key fob that is dead could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on the make and model of your car there could be an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have an additional key that can be used to start the vehicle. This works as a last resort and is usually only used to get you from point A to B, but it could work in some cases.
If you're unable to start your car with this method, the best thing is to raise the front of your car off of the ground with a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started, or at least get you to home or an expert mechanic.
Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location for a new replacement battery. To change the battery you'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Don't apply too much force to the case, or it could pop open and scatter parts of the fob throughout your living space.
Once you've opened the case Once you've opened the case, wrap your pry tool around the fasteners like you peel an apple or orange, and begin to separate the two halves. Be careful not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards, which contain the electricity that keeps the key fob plugged in to your car. If you damage these then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it programmed again.
Keys locked in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys in your trunk, especially when you're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets, so this isn't always a problem. In this case you can contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to help you retrieve your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your car, and they may even be able fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
Depending on your situation You can also have someone else bring you the spare key or call the dealership to ask them to create an entirely new key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home, so that you can use it if your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you do not have an alternative, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. This can be a complicated process and requires you to follow safety guidelines. Consult the owner's manual for directions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for those who don't have extensive automobile experience.
If the standard methods of locksmithing do not work, you could use household items like the screwdriver or metal rod. Kitchen tools such as spatulas are also useful in creating space or opening the trunk open. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that prevent these methods from working, so a specialist will likely be required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform a keying or jiggle to bypass locking system or they may have to drill a hole into the door and the trunk lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These techniques can be costly, which is why it's recommended to keep an emergency key in your possession or call your dealership for a rekeying service. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car might appear to be a simple job however, it involves numerous steps and a number of parts that have to work together for the vehicle to begin. If a component fails, or if one step is not done correctly you could lose control or power as you drive. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is failing can help you avoid larger problems, and help you find the best solutions.
If your ignition is starting to get harder and harder to turn It's recommended to conduct a mobile mechanic inspection of the system for damage. They can take off the cylinder of ignition using automotive lock picks to fix any damage that could have caused the issue. They can also fix this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition in the moment and ensuring that you can drive away without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality intact.
If your car stalls while you drive, this could be a sign you need an ignition repair. If your engine stops while you're in motion, it can be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, you may encounter more issues than simply a jammed ignition switch and require an entire replacement instead. In such cases the mechanic who is mobile is usually able to perform an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. They can do this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly before installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and operate your vehicle. This will save you money and time over buying a new car. It is also much quicker than waiting for a shop to open at a suitable time.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car locks could be damaged. car keys repair of these issues can be resolved by a quick swap of the key fob battery while others require a more precise repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can be major issues for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time which can ultimately result in the lock becoming inoperable. Regular inspections are essential to avoid this.
If you are having trouble to insert or turn the key into your door lock, it could be an indication that the mechanism is blocked. It is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation and can be resolved by a couple of simple DIY methods such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
The pins inside the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This can be corrected by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole in the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned, it should be secured using the correct screws.
The key itself can be damaged in a way. This could be due to excessive force being used when turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the issue then try a different key and check if there are no problems. Ultimately, the best way to repair any damage is to speak with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will perform an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the issue. They will then employ specialized tools and take out any debris that may be in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore full functionality. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations on how to protect your lock from future damage. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields which can aid in protecting the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.