What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or lost. In many cases these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can bring back functionality to fobs with keys that have been jostled. If replacing the battery does not assist, the key fob might require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though the old jingling car keys are long gone, the reality is that a lot of cars still have key fobs. Fobs are handy, but they can be problematic when the batteries fail. That's why they should be charged at all times. This can be a challenging task and a dead battery on your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
The good news is that there are options to escape this situation. Depending on the make and model there's usually a mechanical key in the fob that you can use to open the door. Some models have an alternative key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort and generally only intended to get you to your destination, but may be used in certain situations.
If you're unable to start your car using this method, the next best option is to lift your vehicle front end off of the ground with the help of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable up to the large terminal on the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will provide the fob battery with enough power to start the car, at least to bring you home or to the mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain a new battery. You'll need to have a small flathead screwdriver, butter knife or other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob, and then open it to replace the battery. Do not apply too much pressure to the case or it could pop open and scatter pieces of the fob across your living area.
Once you've opened the box, wedge your tool around the fasteners like you peeling an apple or orange and begin to separate the halves. Do not pull the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. If you damage these, you will have to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to have it programmed again.
car keys repairs near me Locked in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys inside your trunk, particularly if you're in a rush or distracted. There are many people who keep spare keys for their cars indoors or in their wallets, so this isn't always a problem. In this situation you should contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and help you retrieve your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without damaging your car, and they may even be able to repair any broken locks that contributed to this incident.
Depending on your situation, you can also ask someone else to bring you the spare key or call the dealership to ask them to create the new key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare in your wallet or at home to utilize it if your keys are locked inside the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key then you could try to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers the trunk release. This can be a complicated process and requires you to adhere to safety guidelines. You can find guidelines for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive automotive experience.
If the standard methods of locksmithing aren't working, you can use household items like screwscrews or a metal rod. Kitchen tools such as spatulas are also helpful for creating space or prying the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A professional will be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking mechanism or to drill the trunk lock actuator and make a hole in the door. These methods can be costly, so it's recommended to keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealership to request a rekeying service. This will assist you in avoiding future problems.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car might appear to be a simple job however, it involves numerous steps and a variety of parts that need to work together for the vehicle to start. If a part fails or if one step is not performed correctly you could lose control or power as you drive. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing signs of ignition issues.
If your ignition is starting to become more difficult to turn, it's recommended to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. They can take out the cylinder of ignition by using automotive lock picks in order to repair any damage that might be causing the issue. They can also fix this issue by programming the key or the ignition itself on the spot and ensuring that you're able to drive off without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality fully functional.
If your car stops while you are driving, this could indicate that you need an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers in the event that your engine ceases to function while you're driving. You could be at risk of an accident. These issues can be caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, you might encounter more issues than simply a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In these situations, a mobile mechanic can usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. The mobile mechanic can accomplish this by disassembling the steering column, then removing the old assembly and installing the new one. This will make it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and start your vehicle. This can save you time and money over buying a new vehicle. It is also much quicker than waiting for a store to open at a suitable time.
Damaged Locks
There are several common reasons why your car locks could be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved by replacing the battery for the key fob, while others require a more thorough repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust are all major issues for lock systems. These environmental conditions may cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can result in a lock that is not functional anymore. In order to stop this from happening, routine inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be addressed before they get worse.
If you find yourself struggling to insert or turn the key into the lock on your door, it could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. It is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation, which can be solved with a few easy DIY methods, such as using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason that your door locks might be jammed is because the pins inside the cylinder aren't aligned. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned, it should be secured with the correct screws.
The key itself could be damaged in any way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, you can try using an alternative key to see whether it functions without issues. The best way to resolve any issue is to contact a professional locksmith. They will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of the problem and use specially designed tools to remove any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also provide recommendations on how to protect your lock from damage in the future. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that can protect your lock from the harsh elements.