What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or break keys to your car. In many instances, these issues can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Key fobs can be tossed around, so adjusting buttons can help them function again. If replacing the battery doesn't help, the fob may require replacement completely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of cars still use key fobs. They can be very useful however when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. That's why they need to be fully charged at all times. Unfortunately this can be a challenge and a dead key fob battery can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are ways to get out of this situation. Based on the model and brand there's usually a mechanical key inside the fob that you can use to open the door. Certain models come with a backup key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort typically only used to help you get to your destination, but can be useful in certain circumstances.
If you're unable start your car with this method, the next best option is to lift the front of your car off of the ground with a set of jumper cables and hook the red cable up to the big terminal on the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started or get you to home or an expert mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to get a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may explode and scatter fob pieces throughout your living room.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to get around the fasteners like you would with an apple or an orange, and then begin separating the two halves. Do not pull on the antennas or circuit boards which carry the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. 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
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're in a hurry. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys in their purses or inside their homes which is why this isn't usually a problem. In this instance you should contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to come and get your keys. They will unlock the trunk without harming your vehicle and could be able fix any broken locks that contributed to this incident.
Depending on the situation, you can also ask someone else to bring you a spare key or call the dealership and request an entirely new key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare in your wallet or at home so that you can make use of it in the event that your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have an extra one, you are able to open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. key repair service involves shorting out the fuse that controls the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to follow safety guidelines. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended if don't have a lot of experience in the field of automobiles.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing don't work, you can make use of household tools like screwscrews or a metal rod. Kitchen tools like spatulas can be helpful for creating space or prying the trunk open. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that stop these methods from working, which is why a specialist will likely be required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking mechanism, or they might have to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and make a hole in the door. These methods are costly and should be kept as an emergency key in your possession or call your dealer to arrange a reconkeying. This will assist you in avoiding future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the key, but there are many elements and steps that must be in sync to get the car going. If a component fails, or if a single step is not done correctly it could result in loss of power or control as you drive. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing the indications of ignition problems.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can often take off the ignition cylinder to remove it from any damage that could be causing the issue. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.
If your car stalls when you're driving, this could be a sign that you need an ignition repair. If your engine shuts off when you're moving it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk of accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, and other components.
Sometimes, you might have a little more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In these instances, a mobile mechanic will usually be in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly, and then installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This will save you time and money in comparison to buying a brand new car. It is also much faster than waiting for a store to open at a suitable hour.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car locks may be damaged. Some of these problems can be solved by simple swapping of the battery on the key fob, while others require a more precise repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a significant problem for lock systems. These environmental conditions can cause wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time which can ultimately result in the lock becoming non-functional. Regular inspections are essential to stop this from happening.
If you're having trouble turning or inserting the key in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism has become jammed. This is likely due to grime and dirt accumulation, which can be solved with a few easy DIY techniques, like using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
electronic car key repair near me inside the cylinder might be misaligned. This can be corrected by removing the lock cylinder and then manually aligning it with the keyhole in the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured using the correct screws.
The key itself could be damaged in some way. This can be due to excessive force being used in turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, try using a spare key to see whether it is working without issues. The best way to repair any damage is to consult a professional locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough diagnostic to identify the root of the problem and use specialized tools to remove any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather-proof covers or shields that can help to protect the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.