What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or lost. In many cases these instances, they can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to key fobs that have been tossed around. If replacing the battery doesn't aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it appears that keys that jingle are long gone, many automobiles still have key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can be a problem if the batteries die. That's why they need to be always charged. This can be a challenging task and a dead battery on your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
The good news is that there are options to get out of this situation. Based on the make and model of your car you might have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models also come with an emergency button that can be pressed to start the engine. This can be used as a last resort and is generally only designed to get you from point A to point B, but it can work in some cases.
If you're unable to get your car started using this method, then the next best option is to raise the front of your vehicle off the ground with set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started or get you home or a mechanic.
Another alternative is to take your key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers, butter knife or other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob, and then remove it to replace the battery. Do not apply too much force to the case or it will break and scatter parts of the fob throughout your living space.
Once key fob repairs opened the box After you've opened it, place your pry tool around the fasteners like you peeling an apple or orange, and begin to separate the halves. Be careful not to pull the antennas or circuit boards which contain the power that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. You will need to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop if you disturb the circuit boards or antennas.
Keys locked in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys in your trunk, especially if you're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars in their purses or inside their homes and wallets, so this shouldn't be a problem. In this instance, you can call a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to get your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle, and they may even be able to fix any damaged locks that caused this incident.
Depending on your situation You can also request someone else to bring you a spare key or call 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 and keep it in case you need to keep your keys locked in the trunk again.
If you don't have a spare trunk, you can still open the trunk if you override the locking mechanism. This involves shorting out a fuse that powers the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to adhere to safety guidelines. Refer to your owner's guide for specific instructions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive car experience.
In the event that conventional locksmith techniques don't work You can make use of household tools like a screwdriver and a metal rod. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or create space. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A professional will be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking mechanism, or they might have to drill the trunk lock actuator and then create a hole through the door. These methods are costly, so it's a good idea to keep a spare key for emergencies or ask your dealer 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 steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car running. If one part fails, or if one step isn't executed properly, it could leave you without control or power while driving down the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing the signs of ignition issues.
If your ignition is starting to get harder and harder to turn, it's recommended to conduct a mobile mechanic inspection of the system for damage. They can take out the ignition cylinder by using automotive lock picks in order to repair any damage that might have caused the problem. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full function of your vehicle.
key repairs that you might need an ignition repair is when your vehicle starts stalling while you're driving. If your engine stops while you're driving it could be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. The malfunctioning ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other parts can cause these kinds of issues So fixing them soon is essential.
You may need to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than one jammed switch. In these cases, a mobile mechanic will typically be able to perform an ignition replacement on the spot. They can do this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly before installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and operate your vehicle. This type of replacement can save your time and money compared to buying a brand new car and is much faster than waiting for an automotive shop to open up at a time that is convenient for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons that your car's locks could be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved by simple swapping of the battery on the key fob, while others require a more meticulous repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust are all major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time. This can result in the lock becoming no longer functional. In order to avoid this from happening, regular inspections should be performed so any issues can be rectified prior to their deterioration.
If you're having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism is jammed. This could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can resolve this problem by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins in the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This is usually fixed by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured with the appropriate screws.
The key itself may be damaged in any way. This can be due to the force used when turning the key, or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the problem then try a different key and verify that there aren't any issues. The best way to repair any issue is to contact a professional locksmith. These experts will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the root of the problem. They'll then use specialized tools and take out any debris that may be in the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also provide suggestions for how to protect your lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from harsh elements.