What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys are subject to a lot of use and it's not uncommon for them to get damaged or lost. In most cases these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Key fobs can be tossed around, so adjusting buttons can allow them to function properly again. If replacing the battery doesn't help, the fob may require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still have key fobs. Fobs are useful, but they can be problematic in the event that batteries go out. It's important to keep them fully charged throughout the day. Unfortunately, this can be difficult, and an uncharged key fob battery could leave you in the middle of nowhere.
There are ways to escape this scenario. Based on the make and model, there is often a mechanical key inside the fob that you can use to open the door. Certain models come with an alternative key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort and generally only intended to help you get to your destination, but it can be used in certain situations.
If you're not able to start the car using this method, the best option is to raise your vehicle front end off of the ground with the help of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to start your vehicle or at the very least bring you home or to an expert mechanic.
You can also take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain an entirely new battery. You'll need to have small flathead screwdrivers or butter knife or another pry tool to reach the inside of the fob and open it to replace the battery. Don't apply too much force to the case or it will pop open and scatter parts of the fob across your living area.
Once you've opened the box, wedge your pry tool into the fasteners, like you peeling an orange or apple and begin to separate the halves. Don't pull the circuit boards or antennas, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You will need to take it to a dealer or repair shop for your vehicle in the event that you damage the circuit boards or antennas.
Keys locked in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys in your trunk, particularly if you're on the move or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this situation, you can call a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to rescue your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your car and may be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also call the dealership and ask them to create a key for you. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home so that you can utilize it if your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have a spare key, then you could try opening the trunk by bypassing the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to adhere to the safety guidelines. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who don't have a lot of automotive experience.
If traditional locksmith methods aren't working You can employ household items like a screwdriver and rods of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to force the trunk open or create space. Unfortunately, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features which prevent these techniques from working. A specialist will be required to open your trunk. The experts can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to bypass the locking system or to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and make a hole in the door. These techniques are costly, so it's recommended to keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealership for a rekeying service. This will aid you in avoiding any future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It might appear easy to turn the ignition key, but there are many steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car going. If one component fails, or if one step isn't executed properly, it could leave you without control or power while driving down the road. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is having trouble will help you avoid more serious problems, and help you find the best solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming harder to turn. They can remove the ignition cylinder by using automotive lock picks in order to fix any damage that could be causing the issue. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This allows you to drive away with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another indication that you may need an ignition repair is when your vehicle starts stalling while you're driving. If your engine is shut off when you're moving it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk of accidents on the road. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems So fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you may have more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In such cases, a mobile mechanic is usually able to perform an ignition replacement on the on the spot. The mobile mechanic can accomplish this by disassembling your steering column, taking out the old one and installing the new one. This makes it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and operate your vehicle. This can save you money and time when you are considering buying a new car. It is also much faster than waiting for a store to open at a suitable hour.
Damaged Locks
There are many common reasons that your car's locks could be damaged. Some of these issues can be easily fixed by changing the batteries on the key fob while others require more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures or sun exposure, and even dust can pose a major problem for lock systems. These environmental conditions can cause discoloration, corrosion and wear over time. This can eventually cause the lock to become inoperable. In remote car key repairs to prevent this from happening, routine inspections should be performed so any issues can be corrected before they get worse.
If you're having difficulty to insert or turn the key in the lock on your door It could be an indication that the mechanism is blocked. This could be due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can resolve this issue by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins in the cylinder might also be out of alignment. This is usually fixed by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to ensure it is secured.
The key itself can be damaged in some way. This could be due to excessive force when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the issue try using a spare key and see if there aren't any issues. In the end, the best approach to fix any issue is to talk to a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine the cause of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new parts to ensure full functionality. A locksmith can also make recommendations on how to protect your lock from further damage. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields that can aid in protecting the lock from harsh environmental elements.