What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys are subject to a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to be damaged or even lost. Auto locksmiths are able to resolve these problems.
Key fobs can be tossed around, and adjusting the buttons can allow them to function normally again. If the replacement of the battery isn't working, you might have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Although it might seem that keys that jingle are long gone, many cars still use key fobs. The fobs can be useful, but should their batteries go out they could cause problems. This is why they must be charged at all times. Unfortunately it can be a hassle, and an uncharged key fob battery could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are options to get out of this situation. Depending on key repair service and make of your car, you may have a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models come with an additional key that can be used to start the vehicle. This can be used as a last resort and is usually only used to get you from point A to B, but it can be useful in certain situations.
If you're unable to get your car started using this method, then the best option is to raise the front of your car off the ground using set jumper cables. Connect the red cable to a large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will allow the fob battery to have enough energy to start your car, at least to get you home or to an auto mechanic.
Another option is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To change the battery, you'll require an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Don't apply too much pressure to the case or it could pop open and scatter pieces of the fob throughout your living space.
Once you've opened the case After you've opened it, place your tool around the fasteners, like you peel an orange or apple and begin separating the halves. Be cautious not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards, which contain the electricity that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. If you disturb these then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it re-programmed.
Keys locked in the trunk
It's simple to lock the keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a rush. Many people keep spare keys for their cars inside their wallets or at home and wallets, so this shouldn't be an issue. In this situation, you can call an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to take your keys. They will unlock the trunk without harming your car, and they may even be able fix any broken locks that contributed to this incident.
Based on your circumstances, you can also request someone else to bring you the spare key or contact the dealership to have them create the new key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home, so you can keep it in case you need to keep your keys locked in the trunk again.
If you do not have an alternative one, you are able to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers the trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines since this procedure isn't easy. Refer to your owner's guide for instructions on how to do this. This method is not recommended if do not have much experience in the field of automobiles.
If the standard locksmith techniques aren't successful, you can try to make use of household tools like screwscrews and rods made of metal. Kitchen tools, such as spatulas are also useful in creating space or getting the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features which prevent these methods from working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. The experts can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking mechanism, or they might have to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and create a hole in the door. These methods are costly, so you should keep an emergency key available or contact your dealer for an reconkeying. Ideally, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
It might seem easy to turn the key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must cooperate to get the car going. If one part is damaged, or one step isn't executed correctly, it could result in you being without power or control when you're driving along the road. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing symptoms of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic can examine the ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. They can remove the cylinder of ignition with the help of automotive lock picks to repair any damage that might have caused the issue. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.
If your car stops when you're driving, this could be a sign that you need an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off while you're driving it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. The malfunctioning ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other components can cause these types of problems, so getting them fixed quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you could have more trouble than simply a jammed ignition switch and require an entire replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic will typically be able to perform an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column, and then removing the old ignition assembly, and then installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This type of replacement can save you money and time over buying a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an automotive shop to open up at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a few common reasons why your car locks could be damaged. Some of these issues are easily fixable by replacing the batteries on the key fob, while others need more extensive repairs to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can lead to locks that are no longer functional. To avoid this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be corrected before they get worse.
If you're having trouble inserting or turning the key in your door lock, this could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. This is likely due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can resolve this problem by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins inside the cylinder may be out of alignment. This can be corrected by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder is moved, screws must be used to secure it.
The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the issue, use a spare key and check if there aren't any issues. The best method to fix any damage is to consult an expert locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough diagnostic to identify the root of the problem and use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This could include weatherproof covers or shields that can help to protect the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.