What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys get lots of use and it's not uncommon for them to get damaged or even lost. In many cases, these issues can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can restore functionality to key fobs that have been jostled. If replacing the battery does not aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though the days of the old car keys that jingled are long gone, the fact remains that many cars have fobs for keys. They can be very useful, but if their batteries die they could cause problems. It's important to keep them charged always. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery in your key fob can leave you in a bind.
The good news is that there are solutions to get out of this situation. Depending on your make and model it is likely to have an electronic key on the fob that you can use to open the door. Some models also come with an emergency button that can be used to start the engine. This is an option in the event of a breakdown and is usually only used to help you get from point A to B, however it may be used in certain instances.
If you're not able to start your car using this method, then the best option is to lift the front of your vehicle off the ground using a set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your vehicle, or at least get you home or an auto mechanic.
Another alternative is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location for a new replacement battery. You'll need to have small flathead screwdrivers or butter knife, or any other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob and remove it to replace the battery. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it could break open and scatter fob pieces all over your living room.
Once you've opened the box Once you've opened the case, wrap your pry tool around the fasteners, like you peeling an orange or apple and begin to separate the halves. Do not pull the antennas or circuit boards, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You'll need to take it to your dealer or repair shop for your vehicle if you disturb 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 rush. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets, so this isn't always a problem. In this instance you should contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and rescue your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your car and may be able to fix any broken locks which caused the problem.
You can also call the dealership to have them create a key for your. Of course, the best alternative is to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home, so you can have it if you lock your keys inside the trunk again.
If you don't have a spare key, then you may try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to adhere to the safety guidelines. Refer to your owner's guide for specific instructions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for people who do not have a lot of automotive experience.
If the conventional locksmith techniques don't work then you could make use of household tools like a screwdriver and rods made of metal. Kitchen tools such as a spatula can also be useful in creating space or opening the trunk open. However, some vehicles come with advanced security features that block these methods from working, which is why experts will likely be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out a keying or jiggle to get around the locking mechanism or they may have to make a hole in the door and the trunk lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These techniques are costly, so it's recommended to keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealership to request a rekeying service. In the ideal scenario, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car could seem like a straightforward task however, it involves many more steps and a number of components that must be in sync for the vehicle to start. If key repair car fails or if a single step is not done correctly you could lose the power or control you drive. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is failing will help you avoid more serious issues, and find the right solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. Using automotive lock picks, they can usually remove the cylinder of the ignition to free it from any slight destruction that could be causing the issue. The issue can be solved by reprogramming the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another sign that you may need an ignition repair is when your car starts 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 also be at risk of having an accident. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other components can create these types of problems and fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you may encounter more issues than an ignition switch that is jammed, and need an entire replacement instead. In these cases it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. They can do this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly, and then installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and operate your car. This kind of repair can save you money and time over buying a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a convenient time for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a few common reasons that your car locks might be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved with a quick swap of the key fob battery and others require a more thorough repair to repair the mechanical component 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 discoloration, corrosion and wear over time, which could eventually cause the lock to become inoperable. In order to prevent this from happening, regular inspections should be performed so any issues can be rectified before they get worse.
If you are having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could be a sign the mechanism has jammed. This is likely due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can solve this problem by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins inside the cylinder may also be out of alignment. The issue can be rectified by taking the lock off and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is repositioned, the screws should be used to fix it.
The final issue is that the key itself is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this to be the case, try using a spare key to see whether it is working without issues. The best way to resolve any issues is to speak with an expert locksmith. They will conduct an extensive examination to identify the root cause of the problem. They will then employ specialized tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new ones to ensure full functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from future damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that protect your lock from the harsh elements.