What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or damage keys to cars. Locksmiths for autos are often able to solve these issues.
Key fobs can be tossed around, so adjusting buttons can allow them to function properly again. If the replacement of the battery does not work, you could have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Although the old car keys that jingled seem long gone, the fact is that a lot of cars still have key fobs. The fobs can be useful however if their batteries die they could cause problems. That's why they need to be kept fully charged at all times. Unfortunately car key fob repair can be a hassle, and a dead key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are ways to escape this situation. Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you may have a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models also have a backup button that can be used to start the engine. This is a last resort and usually only meant to bring you to your destination, but may work in certain cases.
If you're not able to start your car using this method, the best option is to raise 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 any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started, or at least get you to home or a mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain a new battery. You'll require an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife or another pry tool to access the inside of the fob and remove it to replace the battery. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it could pop open and scatter fob components throughout your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wedge around the fasteners as you would a slice of apple or orange and begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You'll have to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop in the event that you damage the circuit boards or antennas.
Keys Locked in the Trunk
It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a hurry. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this case, you can call an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and get your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle, and they may even be able to repair any broken locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also contact the dealership and ask them to create a key for you. Of course, the best option is to keep the spare key in your wallet or home to have it if you put your keys in the trunk again.
If you do not have an extra trunk, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. It's important to adhere to safety guidelines as this process isn't easy. Consult the owner's manual for directions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended for people who do not have a lot of car experience.
In the event that standard locksmith techniques aren't successful You can use household items such as a screwdriver and rods made of metal. Kitchen tools, such as spatulas can be useful in creating space or getting the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features that stop these methods from working, so a specialist will likely be required to open your trunk. The experts can also execute an jiggle or keying procedure to bypass the locking system, or they may have to drill a hole into the trunk door and lock actuator in order to bypass the locking mechanism. These methods are costly and you should have an emergency key in your possession or ask your dealer for the possibility of Rekeying. This should aid you in avoiding any future problems.
Damaged Ignition
Turning the key in your car may seem like a simple task however, it involves numerous steps and a number of parts that have to be in sync for the vehicle to start. If a component fails, or if even one step is not done correctly, you can lose control or power as you drive. Knowing the signs that your ignition is having trouble can help you avoid bigger issues, and find the best solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it is becoming harder to turn. They can take off the cylinder of ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that could be causing the issue. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another indication that you may need an ignition repair is when your car begins to stop while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you are driving. You could also be at risk of causing an accident. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other parts can cause these kinds of issues and fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you might have more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed and require a complete replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic will usually be in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. The mobile mechanic can do this by disassembling the steering column, then removing the old part and putting in the new one. This makes it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and then operate your vehicle. This will save you time and money when you are considering buying a new vehicle. It is also much quicker than waiting for a store to open at a time that is convenient for you. time.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons why your car locks may be damaged. Some of these issues can be easily fixable by replacing the batteries for the key fob, while others need an extensive repair to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust can all be major issues for lock systems. These environmental conditions can cause discoloration, corrosion and wear over time, which could eventually cause the lock to become functionally ineffective. Routine inspections are necessary to stop this from happening.
If you're having trouble turning or inserting the key in your door lock, it could be a sign the mechanism has become jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can resolve this issue by using a moist cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying a graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins inside the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This is usually fixed by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it with the keyhole in the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned and secured with the correct screws.
Another common issue is that the key itself is damaged in some way. This can be due to the force used in turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the cause then try a different key and verify that there aren't any issues. The best method to address any damage is to speak with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of the issue and employ specialized tools to remove any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore functionality. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations on how to protect your lock from further damage. This could include weatherproof covers or shields which can help protect the lock from harsh elements in the environment.