What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or break car keys. Auto locksmiths can often solve these issues.
Adjusting buttons can help restore functionality to key fobs that have been tossed around. If the replacement battery isn't working, you might need to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Although the old jingling car keys are long gone, the reality is that many cars have fobs for keys. Fobs are handy, but they can be a problem when the batteries fail. It's important to ensure they are charged throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can be difficult and a dead key fob battery could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are ways to escape this situation. Depending on your model and make it is likely to have a mechanical key inside 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 works as an emergency and is usually only used to help you get from point A to point B, but it can work in some cases.
If you're unable start your car with this method, the next best thing is to raise the front of your car off of the ground with a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal on the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide the fob battery with enough juice to start your vehicle, if not to bring you home or to an auto mechanic.
Another alternative is to take your fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Don't apply too much force to the case or it will break and scatter pieces of the fob all over your living area.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to get around the fasteners in the same way you would a slice of apple or an orange, and then start separating the halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas which contain the power that keeps the key fob plugged in to your vehicle. If you do devices, you'll need to go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it programmed again.
Keys locked in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys in your trunk, especially when you're on the move or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets and wallets, so this shouldn't be a problem. In this case, you can call an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could even fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also call the dealership to request them to make a key for you. Of course, the best option is to keep a spare key in your wallet or home to keep it handy in the event that 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 bypassing the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers the trunk release. This can be a complicated process, and it's important to follow safety guidelines. Consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this. This method is not recommended if you don't have much automotive experience.
If the standard methods of locksmithing aren't working, you can make use of household tools like a screwdriver or a rod made of metal. Kitchen tools like spatulas are also useful in creating space or opening the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles come with advanced security features that stop these methods working. A professional is required to unlock your trunk. They can also carry out an jiggle or rekeying process to disable the locking mechanism or to drill the trunk lock actuator and then create a hole through the door. These methods are costly and you should have an emergency key available or ask your dealer for the possibility of Rekeying. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any problems in the future.
Damaged Ignition
It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car started. If a component fails, or if one step is not properly executed you could lose power or control as you drive. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is having trouble can help you avoid larger problems, and help you find the right solutions.
A mobile mechanic can examine your ignition system for damage if it is becoming difficult to turn. They can take off the cylinder of ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that might have caused the problem. online can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.
Another sign that you may need to repair your ignition is when your vehicle starts stalling while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you are driving. You could be at risk of an accident. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems, so getting them fixed soon is essential.
You may need to replace the entire ignition switch if there is more than a jammed switch. In these cases, a mobile mechanic can usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. The mechanic on the mobile will be able do this by removing your steering column, removing the old assembly and installing the new one. This will allow you to put the key in the ignition and then operate your vehicle. This type of replacement can save your time and money compared to buying a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open up at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons why your car's lock may be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved by simple swapping of the key fob battery and others require a more meticulous repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a significant issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time. This can result in locks that are no longer functional. Routine inspections are necessary to stop this from happening.
If you are having trouble to insert or turn the key into the lock on your door It could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this problem by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
Another reason why your door locks may be jammed is that the pins in the cylinder aren't aligned. The issue can be fixed by removing the lock and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to secure it.
Another common issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by the force used when turning the key, or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, try using an alternate key to determine whether it functions without problems. The best method to repair any damage is to consult with a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will perform an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the issue. 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 the functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from the harsh elements.