What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys are subject to a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to get damaged or lost. In many cases, these issues can be dealt with by an auto locksmith.
Adjusting buttons can bring back functionality to fobs with keys that have been damaged. If the battery replacement does not work, you could need to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of cars still use key fobs. Fobs are handy, but they can be a problem when the batteries fail. That's why they should be kept charged at all times. Unfortunately, keys repair can be difficult, and an uncharged key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are solutions to get out of this situation. Based on the model and make of your vehicle, you may have a mechanical lock in the fob. Certain models come with a backup key that can be used to start the car. This works as an option in the event of a breakdown and is typically only intended to get you from point A to point B, but it could work in some cases.
If you're unable to start your car with this method, the next best option is to raise the front of your car off the ground using a set of jumper cables and hook the red cable up to the large terminal on the starter, and the black cable on to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to start your car or 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. To replace the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat or butter knivescrew, or other pry tools. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it could explode and scatter fob parts throughout your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to get around the fasteners in the same way you would an orange or an apple and begin separating the two halves. Be careful not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob plugged in to your car. If you damage these then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it re-programmed.
Locked Keys in the Trunk
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this instance you should contact an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to get your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging the car and may be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
You can also call the dealership to have them create a key for your. It is best 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 an extra one, you are able to open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to adhere to safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended for people who don't have significant automotive experience.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing aren't working, you can use household items like screwscrews or a metal rod. Kitchen tools like a spatula can also be helpful in preparing space or getting the trunk open. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that block these methods from working, which is why experts will likely be required to open your trunk. The experts can also execute a keying or jiggle to bypass the locking system, or they may have to make a hole in the trunk door and lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These techniques can be costly, which is why it's a good idea keep an emergency key or ask your dealer for a rekeying service. This will hopefully assist you in avoiding future issues.
Damaged Ignition
It might seem easy to turn the key, but there are many elements and steps that must cooperate to get the car running. If one part is damaged, or an individual step isn't completed properly, it could leave you without power or control when you're driving down the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing indications of ignition problems.
If your ignition is beginning to get harder and harder to turn It's an ideal idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can often remove the cylinder of the ignition to free it from any damage that may be causing the problem. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to leave with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.
Another sign that you might need to repair your ignition is when your vehicle starts to stop while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers if your engine shuts down while you're driving. You could also be at risk of an accident. The malfunctioning ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other components can create these kinds of issues, so getting them fixed soon is essential.
You may have to replace the entire ignition switch if there is more than a jammed switch. In these cases it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. The mobile mechanic can accomplish this by removing the steering column, then removing the old assembly and installing the new one. This will allow you to put the key in the ignition and operate your vehicle. This can help you save money and time over buying a new vehicle. It is also much faster than waiting for a store to open at a convenient hour.
Damaged Locks
There are many common reasons that your car's locks may be damaged. Some of these problems are easily fixable by replacing the key fob batteries, while others need more extensive repairs to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time, which could eventually result in the lock becoming functionally ineffective. Routine inspections are necessary to stop this from happening.
If you're having difficulty making the key turn in your door lock, this could be a sign the mechanism has become jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation, which can be solved by a few simple do-it-yourself techniques, like using a damp q-tip or cotton swab. Spray the lock with graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason that your door locks may be stuck is because the pins inside the cylinder are misaligned. This can be corrected by removing the lock's cylinder 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 being used when turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, you can try using a spare key to see if it works with no issues. In the end, the best approach to address any damage is to talk to an expert locksmith. These experts will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the root of the problem. They will then employ specialized tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields which can help to protect the lock from harsh elements in the environment.