What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not uncommon to lose or damage keys to your car. In many cases these instances, they can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to key fobs that have been damaged. If the replacement battery does not work, you could need to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though the old car keys that jingled are long gone, the fact is that many cars still have key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can be a problem if the batteries die. It is crucial to keep them charged at all times. This can be a challenging task and a dead battery on your key fob can leave you in a bind.
The good news is that there are options to get out of this situation. Based on the model and make of your car, you may have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the car. This works as an emergency and is generally only designed to get you from A to B, but it could be used in certain instances.
If you're not able to start your car with this method, the best option is to raise your vehicle front end off the ground using an assortment of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the large terminal on the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to start your vehicle or at the very least get you to home or an expert mechanic.
Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. You'll need to have small flathead screwdrivers or butter knife, or any other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob, and then open it to change the battery. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may explode and scatter fob pieces throughout your living room.
After you have opened the case After you've opened it, place your pry tool into the fasteners like you would peel an orange or apple, and begin to separate the two halves. Be cautious not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards which contain the power that keeps the key fob connected to your car. If you damage these, you will have to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to get it programmed again.
Keys locked in the Trunk
It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're in a hurry. Many people keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets which is why this isn't usually an issue. In this case, you can call an emergency roadside service or a locksmith to get your keys. They will unlock the trunk without harming your car, and they may even be able to repair any broken locks that caused this incident.
Depending on the situation If you are in a pinch, you can ask someone else to bring you the spare key or contact the dealership to ask them to create a new key for you. Of course, a better alternative 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, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to follow safety guidelines. You can find the instructions for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. Read Even more is not recommended if you don't have a lot of experience in the field of automobiles.
If the conventional locksmith techniques don't work then you could make use of household tools like a screwdriver and rods made of metal. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or create space. However, some vehicles come with advanced security features that stop these methods from working, which is why a specialist will likely be required to unlock your trunk. They can also carry out a keying or jiggle to get around the locking mechanism or they may have to cut a hole through the trunk's door and lock actuator in order to bypass the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly and you should have an emergency key available or contact your dealer for the possibility of reconkeying. This should aid you in avoiding any future issues.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car might seem like a simple task, but it actually involves many more steps and a number of components that must work together in order for the car to begin. If one component fails, or if a single step doesn't happen correctly, it can cause you to lose power or control when you're driving along the road. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is failing will help you avoid more serious issues and identify the right solutions.
A mobile mechanic can check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming more difficult to turn. They can remove the cylinder of ignition by using automotive lock picks in order to fix any damage that might have caused the problem. They can also fix this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition itself immediately and ensuring that you are able to drive away without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality in place.
If your car stops while you drive, this could indicate that you require an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off when you're moving, it can 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 create these types of problems So fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you might encounter more issues than an ignition switch that is jammed and require an entire replacement instead. In these cases, a mobile mechanic will usually be in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the spot. They can do this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly, then installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This can help you save money and time in comparison to buying a brand new vehicle. It is also much quicker than waiting for a store to open at a convenient hour.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons why your car locks may be damaged. Some of these problems are easily fixed by changing the key fob batteries while others require more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can be a significant issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This can lead to a lock that is not functional anymore. Routine inspections are required to prevent this.
If you're having trouble inserting or turning the key in the lock on your door, this could be a sign that the mechanism has become jammed. This is likely due to grime and dirt accumulation that can be cured with a few easy DIY methods such as using an q-tip that is damp or a cotton swab, and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
The pins in the cylinder might also be out of alignment. The issue can be fixed by taking the lock off and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is moved, screws must be used to ensure it is secured.
Finally, a common problem is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the issue try using a spare key and see if there aren't any issues. The best way to repair any issue is to contact an expert locksmith. They will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of the problem. They will then use special tools to take out any debris that may be in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also provide suggestions for how to protect your lock from further damage. This can include weather-proof covers or shields that help protect the lock from harsh environmental elements.