What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
It's not common to lose or break car keys. In many cases these situations, the problem can be handled by an auto locksmith.
Key fobs often get jostled around, and adjusting the buttons can help them function properly again. If replacing the battery does not aid, the fob could require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of automobiles still rely on key fobs. The fobs can be useful however, when their batteries fail they could cause problems. This is why they must be charged at all times. This is a daunting task and a dead battery on your key fob can cause you to be stranded.
The good news is that there are options to get out of this situation. Depending on the model and brand of your car there could be an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort and typically only used to help you get to your destination, but can be useful in certain circumstances.
If you are unable to get your car started using this method, the best option is to raise the front of your car off the ground with set jumper cables. Connect the red cable to a large terminal of the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will allow the fob battery to have enough energy to start your vehicle, if not to take you home or to a mechanic.
You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to get an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knivescrew, or other pry tools. Do not apply too much force to the case or it could pop open and scatter parts of the fob throughout your living area.
Once you've opened the case After you've opened it, place your tool around the fasteners, like you would peel an apple or orange, and begin to separate the halves. Be cautious not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards, which contain the electricity 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 have it re-programmed.
Locked Keys in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially when you're on the move or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this case, you can call an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without harming your car, and they may even be able fix any broken locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also call the dealership to have them create a key for you. It is best to keep a spare in your wallet or at home, so that you can make use of it in the event that your keys are locked in the trunk.
If you don't have an alternative one, you are able to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines as this process isn't easy. You can find the instructions for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended if you do not have much automotive experience.
If standard locksmith techniques don't work, you can use household items like a screwdriver or a metal rod. A spatula or other kitchen tools can be used to force the trunk open or create space. Sadly, some vehicles have advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A professional is required to unlock your trunk. The experts can also carry out a jiggle or rekeying procedure to bypass the locking system, or they might have to drill the trunk lock actuator and create a hole in the door. These procedures can be costly, so it's a good idea keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealership to request a rekeying service. This will hopefully aid you in avoiding any future issues.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car may appear to be a simple job however it requires many more steps and a number of parts that need to work together in order for the car to start. If one part fails, or even if an individual step isn't completed correctly, it can cause you to lose control or power while driving along the road. You can avoid more serious problems by recognizing the symptoms of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic will check the ignition system for damage if it is becoming more difficult to turn. They can take out the cylinder that controls the ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that might have caused the problem. They can also fix this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition itself on the spot and ensure that you are able to drive away without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality fully functional.
If your car stops while you drive, this could indicate that you need an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off when you're moving it could pose a risk to other drivers and put you at risk of accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, remote key repairs may have more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed, and need an entire replacement instead. In these cases, a mobile mechanic will typically be capable of performing an ignition replacement on the on the spot. They'll be able to accomplish this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly before installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start operating your car. This kind of repair can save you time and money over a completely new car, and is much faster than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that is convenient for you.
Damaged Locks
There are many common reasons why your car locks could be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved by a quick swap of the battery on the key fob while others require a more precise repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This can result in the lock becoming no longer functioning. In order to stop this from happening, routine inspections are required so that any issues can be corrected before they worsen.
If you are having difficulty turning or inserting the key in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism is jammed. This is likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself 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 inside the cylinder might be misaligned. This is usually fixed by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it with the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned, the screws should be used to fix it.
The key itself may be damaged in a way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the issue, use a spare key and see if there aren't any issues. In the end, the best approach to address any damage is to speak with an expert locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the root cause of the issue. They will use special tools to eliminate any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken 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 resistant covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.