What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys are subject to a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or even lost. In many instances these situations, the problem can be handled by an auto locksmith.
Adjusting buttons can restore functionality to key fobs that have been damaged. If replacing the battery does not aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Although the old jingling car keys are long gone, the reality is that many cars have key fobs. These fobs are useful however, if their batteries die, they can become problematic. key repair to keep them charged throughout the day. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery in your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
There are ways to escape this situation. Based on the model and make of your vehicle there could be an electronic lock on the fob. Some models also come with a backup button that can be used to start the engine. This can be used as an emergency and is usually only used to help you get from A to B, but it can be used in certain instances.
If you're unable to start the car using this method, the next best option is to raise your vehicle front end off the ground with a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable up to the big terminal on the starter, and the black cable on to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your car, or at least get you to home or a mechanic.
Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To change the battery you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver, butter knivescrew or other tools for prying. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it could pop open and scatter fob components all over your living room.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to wedge around the fasteners in the same way you would an apple or orange and start separating the halves. Do not pull the circuit boards or antennas, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You will need to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop if you disturb the circuit boards or antennas.
Locked keys in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, particularly if you're in a rush or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this instance, you can call an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to get your keys. They will unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could be able to fix any damaged locks that caused this incident.
Based on your circumstances You can also request someone else to bring you your spare key or call the dealership to ask them to create a new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep the spare key in your wallet or home and keep it handy in the event that you keep your keys locked in the trunk again.
If online don't have a spare key then you may attempt to unlock the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to adhere to the safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of car experience.
In the event that standard locksmith techniques aren't successful You can employ household items like a screwdriver or rods made of metal. Kitchen tools like spatulas are also helpful for creating space or opening the trunk open. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that prevent these methods from working, and a specialist will likely be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out an jiggle or keying procedure to bypass the locking system, or they may have to drill a hole into the door and the trunk lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These methods can be costly, so it's a good idea keep a spare key for emergencies or ask your dealer for a rekeying solution. This will help you to avoid any future problems.
Damaged Ignition
Turning on the key in your car may seem like a simple task however it requires many more steps and a number of parts that have to work together for the vehicle to start. If one component fails, or even if one step isn't executed correctly, it can cause you to lose power or control when you're driving on the road. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing the indications of ignition problems.
A mobile mechanic can check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. Utilizing automotive lock picks they can usually take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any slight destruction that could be causing the issue. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to drive away with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another sign that you might require an ignition repair is when your car begins to stop while you're driving. It can be dangerous for other drivers in the event that your engine ceases to function while you are driving. You could be at risk of having an accident. These issues are often caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, or other components.
You may have to replace the entire ignition switch if there is more than a jammed switch. In such cases, a mobile mechanic is usually capable of performing an ignition replacement on the on the spot. The mobile mechanic can accomplish this by removing 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 then operate your vehicle. This kind of repair can save you time and money over the purchase of a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues are easily fixed by changing the batteries for the key fob, while others need an extensive repair to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust can be major problems for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion and wear over time, which could eventually lead to the lock becoming inoperable. To prevent this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be rectified prior to their deterioration.
If you're having trouble making the key turn in the lock on your door, this could be a sign the mechanism has become jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a couple of simple DIY methods, such as using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab, and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason why your door locks might be jammed is because the pins inside the cylinder are misaligned. The issue can be rectified by taking the lock off and manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is relocated, the screws should be used to secure it.
The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force being used when turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the cause, use a spare key and verify that there are no issues. The best method to fix any issue is to contact an expert locksmith. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine the cause of the problem and use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new ones to restore full functionality. Locksmiths can also offer suggestions on how to safeguard your lock from further damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can aid in protecting the lock from harsh elements in the environment.