What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to be damaged or lost. Auto locksmiths can often solve these issues.
Key fobs can be tossed around, and adjusting the buttons can allow them to function again. If replacing the battery doesn't help, the fob may require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of cars still use key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can be a problem if the batteries die. It's important to keep them charged throughout the day. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery in your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
The good news is that there are options to get out of this situation. Depending on your model and make there's usually a mechanical key in the fob that can be used to open the door. Certain models come with an additional key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort usually only meant to get you to your destination, but it can work in certain cases.
If you're unable to start your car using this method, the best option is to raise the front of your car off the ground using set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to a large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to start the car, at least to get you home or to an auto mechanic.
Another alternative is to take your key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers or butter knife, or any other pry tool to reach the inside of the fob, and then open it to replace the battery. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it could break open and scatter fob pieces all over your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to get around the fasteners as you would with an apple or an orange, and then begin separating the two halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob programmed to your car. If you damage these, you will have to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to get it reset.
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 car keys indoors or in their wallets, so this isn't always a problem. In this situation, you can call an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to get your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your car and may even be able repair any damaged locks that caused the problem.
You can also call the dealership to request them to 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 in the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key, then you may try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves the shorting of a fuse that controls trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to follow the safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to accomplish this. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive car experience.
If the standard methods of locksmithing don't work, you can employ household items such as a screwdriver or a metal rod. Kitchen tools such as a spatula can also be useful in creating space or getting the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features which prevent these techniques from working. A professional is required to unlock your trunk. The experts can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to disable the locking mechanism or to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and make a hole in the door. These techniques are costly, so it's a good idea keep an emergency key or ask your dealer to request a rekeying service. This will hopefully aid you in avoiding any future problems.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must cooperate to get the car running. If remote key fob repair near me fails or if one step is not done correctly it could result in loss of control or power as you drive. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing the signs of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic can examine your ignition system for damage if it's becoming more difficult to turn. Using automotive lock picks, they can usually take off the ignition cylinder to remove it from any slight destruction that may be causing the issue. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full function of your vehicle.
If your car stalls while you are driving it could be a sign you need an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You could also be at risk of causing an accident. These issues could be caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, and other components.
You may need to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than one jammed switch. In these instances it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. The mechanic on the mobile will be able do this by removing your steering column, removing the old one and installing the new one. This will allow you to put the key in the ignition and start your vehicle. This can save you money and time over buying a new vehicle. It's also faster than waiting for a shop to open at a time that is convenient for you. time.
Damaged Locks
There are many common reasons that your car's locks may be damaged. Some of these issues can be resolved by replacing the battery on the key fob, while others require a more precise repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures or sun exposure, and even dust can be a significant issue for lock systems. These environmental conditions can cause wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time, which could eventually cause the lock to become inoperable. In order to prevent this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be corrected before they worsen.
If you're having trouble inserting or turning the key in your door lock, this could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. It is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved with a few easy DIY techniques, like using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab. Spray the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.
The pins inside the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is repositioned and secured using the correct screws.
The final issue is that the actual 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 alternate key to determine if it works with no issues. Ultimately, the best way to fix any issue is to talk to a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the cause of the issue and employ specialized tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also give recommendations to protect your car lock from future damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from the harsh elements.