What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys get lots of use, and it's not uncommon for them to be damaged or even lost. In most cases these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can restore functionality to fobs with keys that have been jostled. If replacing car key repair doesn't help, the fob may require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it may seem that keys that jingle are long gone, many cars still use key fobs. The fobs can be useful, but when their batteries fail they could cause problems. It's important to keep them fully charged always. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery on your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
There are ways to escape this situation. Depending on the model and brand it is likely to have a mechanical key in the fob that can be used to open the door. Some models also have a backup button that can be used to start the engine. This is a last resort and typically only used to get you to your destination, but may work in certain cases.
If you're unable to start the car using this method, the best thing is to raise the front of your car off the ground using an assortment of jumper cables and hook the red cable to the big terminal on the starter and the black cable on to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to start the vehicle, if not to bring you home or to the mechanic.
Another option is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location for a new replacement battery. To change the battery you'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Don't apply too much force to the case or it will break and scatter pieces of the fob across your living area.
After opening the case, use your pry tool to wrap around the fasteners like you would a slice of orange or an apple and begin separating the two halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob plugged in to your vehicle. If you do then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to get it programmed again.
Locked keys in the trunk
It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this situation you can contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to help you retrieve your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your car and could even repair any damaged locks that caused the problem.
You can also call the dealership and ask them to make a key for you. It is recommended to keep a spare in your wallet or at home so that you can use it if your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key, then you may try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting out a fuse that powers the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to follow the safety guidelines. You can find instructions for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended if you don't have a lot of automotive experience.
In the event that conventional locksmith techniques don't work, you can try to use household items such as a screwdriver or a metal rod. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to open the trunk open or make space. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features that prevent these methods from working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. They can also carry out a keying or jiggle to get around the locking mechanism or cut a hole through the trunk door and lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly and you should have an emergency key on hand or contact your dealer for the possibility of reconkeying. This will aid you in avoiding any future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It might appear easy to turn the ignition key however, there are many steps and parts that must work together to get the car running. If car key repairs fails, or even if an individual step isn't completed properly, it could result in you being without power or control when you're driving along the road. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing signs of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic can examine your ignition system for damage if it is becoming more difficult to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can often take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any minor damage that may be causing the issue. They can also fix this issue by programming the key or the ignition itself on the spot and ensure that you're able to drive off safely with your vehicle's full functionality intact.
If your car stalls while you are driving it could be a sign you need an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You may also be at risk of causing an accident. These problems are often caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, and other components.
Sometimes, car key repairs near me could encounter more issues than an ignition switch that is jammed and require an entire replacement instead. In these cases it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. 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 operating your car. This kind of replacement could save your time and money compared to the purchase of a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons that your car lock might be damaged. Some of these issues are easily fixable by replacing the key fob batteries while others require 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 locks. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion and wear over time. This can eventually lead to the lock becoming non-functional. Routine inspections are necessary to prevent this.
If you are having difficulty inserting or turning the key in your door lock, it could indicate that the mechanism is jammed. It is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself methods, such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab, and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason your door locks could be jammed is because the pins in the cylinder aren't aligned. The issue can be fixed by removing the lock and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is repositioned and secured with the appropriate screws.
Another common 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 cause then try a different key and verify that there aren't any issues. Ultimately, the best way to repair any damage is to speak with an expert locksmith. These experts will perform an exhaustive examination to determine the root of the problem. They will then employ specialized tools and take out any debris that may be in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore full functionality. Locksmiths can also offer suggestions on how to safeguard your lock from future damage. This can include weather-proof covers or shields which can help to protect the lock from harsh elements in the environment.