What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or even lost. In many cases these instances, they are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can help restore function to fobs with keys that have been jostled. If the replacement of the battery isn't working, you might have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though the days of the old car keys that jingled seem long gone, the fact is that many cars still have key fobs. Fobs are handy, but they can pose a problem in the event that batteries go out. It's important to keep them fully charged throughout the day. Unfortunately it can be a hassle, and a dead key fob battery can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
There are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle you might have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the vehicle. This is a last resort and usually only meant to bring you to your destination, but may work in certain cases.
If you're unable to start your car using this method, the best option is to raise the front of your vehicle off the ground using set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to start your car or get you to home or an expert mechanic.
You can also take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to get a new battery. To change the battery, you'll require a small screwdriver that is flat, butter knivescrew or other tools for prying. Do not apply too much pressure to the case or it will pop open and scatter pieces of the fob all over your living space.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wedge around the fasteners as you would an apple or an orange, and then start separating the halves. Don't pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You'll have to take it to your dealer or repair shop for your vehicle in the event that you damage the antennas or circuit boards.
Locked Keys in the Trunk
It's easy to lock the keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this case, you can call a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to get your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging the car and may even be able repair any damaged locks that caused the problem.
You can also call the dealership and ask them to make a key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep the spare key in your wallet or at home and keep it handy in the event that you lock your keys inside the trunk again.
If you don't have a spare key, then you can try opening the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to adhere to the safety guidelines. You can find the instructions for your specific vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive automobile experience.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing aren't working, you can employ household items such as the screwdriver or metal rod. Kitchen tools like a spatula can also be useful in creating space or getting the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles have advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A specialist will be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out a keying or jiggle to bypass locking system or cut a hole through the door and the trunk lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These techniques are expensive and should be kept as an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealer for a rekeying. This will hopefully help you to avoid any future problems.
Damaged Ignition
It might seem easy to turn the key however, there are many steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car started. If one component fails, or if one step isn't executed correctly, it could result in you being without control or power while driving on the road. Knowing the signs that your ignition is failing will help you avoid more serious problems, and help you find the correct solutions.
A mobile mechanic can examine the ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they are able to remove the ignition cylinder to free it from any damage that could be causing the issue. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming the ignition or the key right on the spot. broken car key repair near me will allow you to drive away with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.
Another indication that you may require an ignition repair is when your car begins slowing down while you're driving. If your engine is shut off while you're driving, it can be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. Broken ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other components can create these kinds of issues and fixing them quickly is vital.
Sometimes, you may encounter more issues than simply a jammed ignition switch, and need an entire replacement instead. In these cases the mechanic who is mobile will typically be capable of performing an ignition replacement on the on the spot. They can do this by disassembling the steering column, and then removing the old ignition assembly before installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This type of replacement can save you money and time over buying a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open up at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these problems are easily solved by changing the batteries on the key fob and others require more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust are all major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can lead to wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time. This can eventually cause the lock to become inoperable. In order to prevent this from happening, regular inspections should be performed so any issues can be addressed prior to their deterioration.
If you're having difficulty turning or inserting the key in your door lock, this could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this problem by using a damp cotton swab or q-tip and spraying a graphite or silicone spray on the lock.
The pins inside the cylinder could be out of alignment. This can usually be fixed by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it with the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder is repositioned and secured using 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 if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the issue then try a different key and see if there are no issues. The best way to resolve any damage is to consult an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore functionality. Locksmiths can also offer suggestions for how to protect your lock from damage in the future. This could include weather-resistant covers or shields that can aid in protecting the lock from harsh environmental elements.