What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys get lots of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or lost. Auto locksmiths are able to resolve these problems.
Key fobs often get jostled around, so changing buttons can help them function normally again. If replacing the battery doesn't assist, the key fob might need to be replaced entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Although the old jingling keys to cars are long gone, the fact remains that a lot of cars still have fobs for keys. The fobs can be useful however, when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It's important to keep them charged at all times. Unfortunately it can be a hassle, and the battery of your key fob that is dead can leave you in the middle of nowhere.
The good news is that there are solutions to get out of this situation. Depending on the make and model, there is often an electronic key on the fob that you can use to unlock the door. Some models also have a backup button that can be pressed to start the engine. This can be used as an option in the event of a breakdown and is usually only used to get you from A to B, but it can be useful in certain situations.
If you are unable to start your car using this method, then the best option is to raise the front of your vehicle off the ground using a set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to a large terminal of the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give the fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started, or at least bring you home or to an expert mechanic.
Another option is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement 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 key repair not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it could pop open and scatter fob parts all over your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners like you would a slice of apple or orange and begin to separate the two halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas which contain the power that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. If you do, you will have to go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it programmed again.
Locked keys in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, particularly if you're in a rush or distracted. There are many people who keep spare car keys somewhere indoors or in their wallets which is why this isn't usually an issue. In this situation, you can call an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to get your keys. They can open 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 create a key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep a spare key in your wallet or home to keep it in case you need to put your keys in 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 a fuse that powers the trunk release. This process can be complex, and it's important to follow the safety guidelines. You can find instructions for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who do not have much automotive experience.
If the traditional methods for locksmithing don't work, you can employ household items such as the screwdriver or rod made of steel. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to open the trunk open or make space. Unfortunately, some vehicles come with advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. The experts can also carry out an jiggle or rekeying process to bypass the locking system or to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and then create a hole through the door. These methods are costly and should be kept as an emergency key available or ask your dealer for an rekeying. This will hopefully help you to avoid any future problems.
Damaged Ignition
It might appear easy to turn the ignition key however, there are many parts and steps that need to work together to get the car started. If a part fails or if one step is not done correctly, you can lose control or power as you drive. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is failing can help you avoid bigger issues, and find the right solutions.
A mobile mechanic can check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can usually remove the ignition cylinder to free it from any damage that may be causing the issue. The issue can be solved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to leave with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another indication that you may need to repair your ignition is when your car begins slowing down while you're driving. If your engine is shut off when you're moving, it can be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. These issues can be caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, you could have more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In these instances, a mobile mechanic is usually capable of performing an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. The mobile mechanic can do this by disassembling the steering column, then removing the old one and installing the new one. This will allow you to insert the key into the ignition and operate your vehicle. This type of replacement can save you time and money over the purchase of 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 several common reasons why your car's lock may be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved by simple swapping of the key fob battery and others require a more precise repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures or sun exposure, and even dust can pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time which can ultimately cause the lock to become functionally ineffective. To stop this from happening, regular inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be rectified before they worsen.
If you're having difficulty inserting or turning the key in your door lock, this could be a sign the mechanism has jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a couple of simple DIY methods such as using an q-tip that is damp or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.
Another reason why your door locks could be jammed is that the pins inside the cylinder are misaligned. This can be corrected by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder is repositioned, it should be secured with the appropriate screws.
Finally, a common problem is that the key itself is damaged in some way. This could be due to the force used in turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the issue try using a spare key and see if there are no problems. Ultimately, the best way to repair any damage is to talk to a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough analysis to identify the root of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore the functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This could include weather-resistant covers or shields that aid in protecting the lock from harsh environmental elements.