What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use and it's not uncommon for them to get damaged or even lost. In many cases, these issues can be handled by an auto locksmith.
Key fobs are often jostled around, so changing buttons can allow them to function normally again. If replacing the battery does not assist, the key fob might need to be replaced entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though the old jingling car keys seem long gone, the fact remains that many cars still have fobs for keys. These fobs are useful however should their batteries go out they could become a problem. It is crucial to keep them charged throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, and an uncharged key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are options to avoid this situation. Depending on your model and brand it is likely to have a mechanical key inside the fob that you can use to unlock the door. Certain models come with an additional key that can be used to start the vehicle. This is a last resort usually only meant to get you to your destination, but it can be used in certain situations.
If you're unable to start the car using this method, the next best thing is to raise your vehicle front end off of the ground with an assortment of jumper cables and hook the red cable up to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable on to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to start your car or at the very least get you to home or an auto mechanic.
Another option is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. You'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife or another pry tool to reach the inside of the fob and open it to replace the battery. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may pop open and scatter fob pieces all over your living space.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to wrap around the fasteners like you would a slice of apple or orange and begin to separate the two halves. Be cautious not to pull on the circuit boards or antennas which contain the power that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. You'll have to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop when you cause damage to the circuit boards or antennas.
Keys locked in the trunk
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a hurry. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this instance you should contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to get your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without harming your vehicle, and they may even be able fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also call the dealership to have them create a key for your. It is recommended to keep a spare in your wallet or at home, so that you can use it if your keys are locked inside the trunk.
If you do not have an alternative trunk, you can still open the trunk if you override the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines as this process can be complicated. Refer to your owner's guide for directions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for those who don't have significant automotive experience.
In the event that traditional locksmith methods aren't working, you can try to make use of household tools like a screwdriver and rods of steel. Kitchen tools such as spatulas can be useful in creating space or getting the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars come with advanced security features which prevent these methods working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. The experts can also execute the jiggle or keying process to get around the locking mechanism or drill a hole into the trunk's door and lock actuator in order to bypass the locking mechanism. These techniques can be costly, which is why it's a good idea to keep an emergency key in your possession or ask your dealer for a rekeying solution. Ideally, this will help you avoid any problems in the future.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car may seem like a simple task however, it involves numerous steps and a variety of parts that have to work together for the vehicle to start. If one part fails, or even if a single step doesn't happen correctly, it can leave you without power or control when you're driving on the road. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is not working properly can help you avoid larger issues and identify the best solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. Utilizing automotive lock picks they are able to take off the ignition cylinder to remove it from any minor damage that may be causing the problem. They can also resolve this issue by reprogramming the key or the ignition immediately and ensuring that you can drive away in peace with your vehicle's complete functionality fully functional.
Another indication that you may need to repair your ignition is when your car begins to stop while you're driving. If your engine shuts off when you're moving it could pose a risk to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these kinds of issues, so getting them fixed quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you could encounter more issues than an ignition switch that is jammed and require an entire replacement instead. In these cases the mechanic who is mobile is usually able to perform an ignition replacement on the spot. The mobile mechanic can do this by disassembling your steering column, taking out the old part and putting in the new one. This will make it easier for you to insert the key into the ignition and operate your vehicle. key fob repairs will save you time and money when you are considering buying a new car. It's also faster than waiting for a store to open at a convenient hour.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons that your car's locks may be damaged. Some of these issues can be easily fixed by changing the key fob batteries and others require more extensive repairs to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust can be major issues for locks. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can lead to a lock that is no longer functional. Routine inspections are necessary to prevent this.
If you are having trouble to insert or turn the key in the lock on your door, it could be a sign that the mechanism is blocked. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself techniques, like using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab. Spray the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason that your door locks might be jammed is because the pins in the cylinder aren't aligned. The issue can be fixed by removing the lock and manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned, it should be secured with the appropriate screws.
The final issue is that the key is damaged in some way. This could be due to excessive force applied when turning the key or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, try using an alternative key to see whether it functions without problems. The best way to resolve any issue is to contact an expert locksmith. These experts will perform an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the issue. They will then use specialized tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new parts to restore the functionality. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations on how to protect your lock from damage in the future. This could include weatherproof covers or shields that help to protect the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.