What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to get damaged or even lost. In most cases, these issues can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can restore function to key fobs that have been tossed around. If replacing the battery doesn't aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still have key fobs. They can be very useful however should their batteries go out, they can become problematic. It's important to keep them charged always. Unfortunately this can be a challenge, and the battery of your key fob that is dead can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on the model and make of your car, you may have an electronic lock on the fob. Some models also have an emergency button that can be pressed to start the engine. This is a last resort that's usually only meant to bring you to your destination, but can be used in certain situations.
If you're not able to start your car using this method, the next best option is to raise your vehicle front end off the ground using the help of jumper cables and hook the red cable to the big terminal on the starter and the black cable on to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started or at the very least get you to home or an auto mechanic.
Another alternative is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may break open and scatter fob pieces throughout your living room.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to get around the fasteners like you would a slice of apple or an orange, and then begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull the antennas or circuit boards which carry the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. If you do then you must visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to get it programmed again.
Keys locked in the trunk
It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a hurry. There are many people who keep spare car keys somewhere indoors or in their wallets, so this isn't always a problem. In this instance you can contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to come and help you retrieve your keys. They can open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may be able to fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also contact the dealership to request them to create a key for you. It is best to keep a spare key 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 a spare trunk, you can still open the trunk if you override the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines as this procedure can be complicated. Refer to your owner's guide for instructions on how to accomplish this. This method is not recommended for those who don't have much automotive experience.
If standard locksmith techniques aren't working, you can employ household items such as screwscrews or a rod made of steel. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or create space. However, some vehicles come with advanced security features that stop these methods from working, and experts will likely be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to disable the locking mechanism or to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and then create a hole through the door. These methods are costly, so it's a good idea to keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealership for a rekeying solution. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any problems in the future.
Damaged Ignition
It might seem easy to turn the ignition key, but there are many parts and steps that need to work together to get the car going. If a component fails or if a single step is not done correctly you could lose power or control as you drive. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing signs of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic can check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. Using automotive lock picks, they are able to remove the ignition cylinder to remove it from any damage that could be causing the problem. They can also resolve this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition itself in the moment and ensure that you are able to drive away safely with your vehicle's full functionality fully functional.
Another indication that you may require an ignition repair is when your car starts to stop while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers when your engine stops while you're driving. You could also be at risk of having an accident. These problems could be caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, and other components.
Sometimes, you may have a little more trouble than simply a jammed ignition switch, and need an entire replacement instead. In these instances an auto mechanic will usually be capable of performing an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. The mobile mechanic will be able do this by removing your steering column, removing the old assembly and installing the new one. This will allow you to put the key in the ignition and start your vehicle. This kind of repair can save you time and money over a completely new car, and is much faster than waiting for an automotive shop to open up at a convenient time for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons that your car locks might be damaged. Some of these issues are easily fixable by replacing the batteries for the key fob and others require a more thorough repair to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can be a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion and wear over time. This can eventually lead to the lock becoming functionally ineffective. Routine inspections are necessary to stop this from happening.
If you are having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism has become jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this issue by using a moist cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins in the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock's cylinder and then manually aligning it with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to fix it.
The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the cause, use a spare key and check if there aren't any issues. Ultimately, the best way to address any damage is to consult with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of the problem and use special tools to eliminate any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also give recommendations to protect your car lock from further damage. remote key repair can include weatherproof covers or shields that help protect the lock from harsh environmental elements.