What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or lost. In many cases these situations, the problem can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to key fobs that have been damaged. If the replacement battery does not work, you could have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still rely on key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can be problematic when the batteries fail. It's important to keep them charged always. Unfortunately this can be a challenge, and an uncharged key fob battery could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are options to avoid this situation. Depending on the model and brand, there is often a mechanical key in the fob that you can use to open the door. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort that's typically only used to get you to your destination, but it can work in certain cases.
If you are unable to start your car using this method, then the best option is to lift the front of your vehicle off the ground with set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give your fob battery enough power to start your vehicle or at the very least get you home or a mechanic.
You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to purchase a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat, butter knivescrew or other tools for prying. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, as it could explode and scatter fob pieces all over your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners in the same way you would an apple or an orange, and then begin separating the two halves. Don't pull on the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You'll need to take it to a dealer or repair shop for your vehicle when you cause damage to the circuit boards or antennas.
Keys Locked in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially when you're in a rush or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this situation you can contact an emergency roadside service or a locksmith to get your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may be able to fix any damaged locks that caused this issue.
Based on your circumstances, you can also ask someone else to bring you your spare key or contact the dealership to ask them to create the new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep the spare key in your wallet or at home, so you can have it if you put your keys in the trunk again.
If you don't have a spare key then you could try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. It is essential to adhere to safety guidelines since this procedure isn't easy. Refer to your owner's guide for instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended for those who do not have much experience in the field of automobiles.
In the event that traditional locksmith methods aren't working, you can try to employ household items like a screwdriver and a metal rod. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to open the trunk open or make space. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features that stop these techniques from working. A professional will be required to open your trunk. The experts can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking system, or they might have to drill the trunk lock actuator and make a hole in the door. These methods can be costly, which is why it's recommended to keep an emergency key or ask your dealer for a rekeying solution. This should assist you in avoiding future issues.
Damaged Ignition
Turning the key in your car may seem like a straightforward task however it requires many more steps and a series of components that must cooperate for the vehicle to begin. If car remote key repair fails, or even if an individual step isn't completed correctly, it could leave you without control or power while driving down the road. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is having trouble will help you avoid more serious problems, and help you find the right solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it is becoming harder to turn. Using automotive lock picks, they are able to take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any minor damage that could be causing the problem. They can also fix this issue by programming the key or the ignition itself on the spot and ensuring that you're able to drive off safely with your vehicle's full functionality fully functional.
If your car stalls while you drive it could indicate that you require an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You could be at risk of an accident. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other components can create these kinds of issues So fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you may have a little more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch, and need an entire replacement instead. In these instances it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. They'll be able to accomplish this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly, then installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and start your car. This can save you time and money over buying a new vehicle. It's also faster than waiting for a store to open at a convenient time.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons that your car locks could be damaged. Some of these issues can be resolved with a quick swap of the battery for the key fob and others require a more precise repair to fix the mechanical components or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can be major problems for locks. These environmental conditions may cause discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This can lead to a lock that is no longer functioning. To prevent this from happening, routine inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be corrected before they get worse.
If you're having difficulty to insert or turn the key into the lock on your door It could be a sign that the mechanism is stuck. This is likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself methods, such as using an q-tip that is damp or a cotton swab, and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
The pins in the cylinder may also be out of alignment. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. Once the cylinder is aligned and secured with the appropriate screws.
The key itself could be damaged in some way. This can be due to excessive force being used when turning the key, or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, you can try using a spare key to see whether it is working without problems. The best way to repair any damage is to consult an expert locksmith. They will conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the problem. They'll then use specially designed tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore full functionality. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations to protect your car lock from future damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that can protect your lock from the harsh elements.