What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys get lots of use and it's not unusual for them to be damaged or even lost. In many instances these situations, the problem are handled by an auto locksmith.
Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to key fobs that have been damaged. If replacing the battery does not aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Although it might seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still rely on key fobs. They can be very useful however, if their batteries die, they can become problematic. It's important to keep them charged at all times. Unfortunately this can be a challenge and the battery of your key fob that is dead could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are options to escape this situation. Depending on the model and make of your car there could be an electronic lock on the fob. Some models have an alternative key that can be used to start the car. This works as a last resort and is usually only used to get you from point A to point B, however it may be useful in certain situations.
If you're unable to start your car using this method, the best option is to raise the front end of your vehicle off the ground using an assortment of jumper cables and hook the red cable to the large terminal on the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give the fob battery enough power to start your car or bring you home or to an expert mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to get the new battery. You'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife or another pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob, and then remove it to replace the battery. Do not apply too much pressure to the case or it will pop open and scatter pieces of the fob across your living space.
Once you've opened the case, wedge your tool around the fasteners in the same way you would peel an orange or apple, and begin to separate the two halves. Be cautious not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob connected to your vehicle. If you disturb these devices, you'll need to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to get it programmed again.
Locked keys in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially if you're on the move or distracted. There are many people who keep spare keys for their cars inside their wallets or at home which is why this isn't usually a problem. In this situation, you can call an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to rescue your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could be able to fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also contact the dealership to have them create a key for you. It is best to keep a spare in your wallet or at home so that you can make use of it in the event that your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key then you could attempt to unlock the trunk by bypassing the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. It's important to adhere to safety guidelines since this procedure can be complicated. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended if don't have much automotive experience.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing don't work, you can employ household items such as a screwdriver or a metal rod. Kitchen tools, such as spatulas can be helpful in preparing space or getting the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features which prevent these methods from working. A specialist is required to unlock your trunk. They can also carry out an jiggle or keying procedure to bypass the locking system, or they may have to cut a hole through the door and the trunk lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These techniques are costly, so it's recommended to keep an emergency key in your possession or call your dealership to request a rekeying service. This will assist you in avoiding future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the key, but there are many parts and steps that need to cooperate to get the car started. If a component fails or if a single step is not done correctly you could lose power or control as you drive. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing the symptoms of ignition issues.
If your ignition is starting to become harder and harder to turn It's an ideal idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. They can take out the ignition cylinder using automotive lock picks to fix any damage that may have caused the problem. They can also address this issue by programming the key or the ignition on the spot and ensuring that you can drive away without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality fully functional.
If your car is stalling while you are driving, this could be a sign you need an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off while you're in motion it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. These issues are often caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, or other components.
You may need to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than one jammed switch. In these cases it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. The mobile mechanic can do this by removing the steering column, then removing the old one and installing the new one. This makes it easier for you to insert the key into the ignition and start your vehicle. automotive key repair can save you money and time over buying a new car. It is also much quicker than waiting for a shop to open at a convenient time.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues can be resolved by replacing the key fob battery and others require a more meticulous repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This can result in locks that are no longer functional. In order to avoid this from happening, regular inspections are required so that any issues can be addressed before they worsen.
If you're having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could be a sign the mechanism is jammed. This could be due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can fix this issue by using a damp cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying a graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
Another reason your door locks may be stuck is because the pins in the cylinder are not aligned. This can be corrected by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it with the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to ensure it is secured.
The key itself could be damaged in a way. This could be due to excessive force when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the cause try using a spare key and check if there are no problems. The best method to repair any damage is to talk to a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will perform an extensive examination to identify the root cause of the problem. 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 functionality. A locksmith can also provide suggestions for how to protect your lock from further damage. This could include weather-resistant covers or shields that can help protect the lock from harsh elements.