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 become damaged or even lost. In many instances these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting key repair car can help restore function to key fobs that have been jostled. If the battery replacement doesn't work, you may have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still rely on key fobs. They can be very useful, but when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It is crucial to ensure they are charged throughout the day. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery in your key fob could cause you to be stranded.
There are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have an additional key that can be used to start the vehicle. This is a last resort typically only used to help you get to your destination, but can be useful in certain circumstances.
If you're unable start the car using this method, the best option is to raise your vehicle front end off the ground with a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide the fob battery with enough energy to start your car, at least to bring you home or to an auto mechanic.
You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to purchase a new battery. You'll need to have a small flathead screwdriver or butter knife, or any other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob and open it to change the battery. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it could explode and scatter fob parts all over your living space.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners as you would an orange or an apple and begin to separate the two halves. Be careful not to pull on the circuit boards or antennas which contain the power that keeps the key fob plugged in to your car. If you do then you must visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to have it re-programmed.
Keys locked in the Trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially if you're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare keys for their cars inside their wallets or at home which is why this isn't usually an issue. In this case, you can call an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They can open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may be able to fix any damaged locks that caused this issue.
You can also contact the dealership and ask them to create a key for your. Of course, the best option is to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home and keep it in case you need to put your keys in the trunk again.
If you do not have an extra trunk, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers the trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines since this procedure can be complicated. You can find instructions for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have significant car experience.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing aren't working, you can make use of household tools like the screwdriver or rod made of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to pry the trunk open or create space. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that block these methods from working, and a specialist will likely be required to open your trunk. The experts can also carry out a jiggle or rekeying procedure to bypass the locking system or to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and make a hole in the door. These techniques are expensive and you should have an emergency key on hand or ask your dealer for a reconkeying. Ideally, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
The process of turning on the ignition in your car may appear to be a simple job, but it actually involves numerous steps and a variety of components that must work together in order for the car to begin. If one part fails, or even if one step isn't executed correctly, it could leave you without power or control when you're driving along the road. Knowing the signs that your ignition is having trouble can help you avoid larger issues, and find the correct solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check the ignition system for damage if it is becoming difficult to turn. Using automotive lock picks, they can often take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any minor damage that may be causing the problem. They can also fix this issue by programming the key or the ignition immediately and ensure 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 it could be a sign you require 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 also be at risk of an accident. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other parts can cause these kinds of issues, so getting them fixed soon is essential.
You may have to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than a blocked switch. In these instances an expert mechanic on the move can usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. 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 operate your vehicle. This kind of repair can save you money and time over a completely new car, and is much faster than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that works for you.
Damaged Locks
There are many common reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues can be easily fixable by replacing the key fob batteries, while others need more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust can all be major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can lead to corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This could lead to locks that are no longer functioning. Regular inspections are essential to stop this from happening.
If you're having difficulty turning or inserting the key in the lock on your door, this could indicate that the mechanism has become jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this issue by using a moist cotton swab or qi-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.
Another reason that your door locks may be jammed is because the pins in the cylinder are misaligned. The issue can be fixed by taking the lock off and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is repositioned, the screws should be used to ensure it is secured.
Another common issue is that the key itself is damaged in some 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 alternate key to determine if it works with no problems. The best method to address any damage is to speak with a professional locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine the cause of the issue and employ special tools to eliminate any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore function. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from future damage. This can include weather-proof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements of the environment.