What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

Car keys see a lot of use, and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or even lost. Auto locksmiths can often solve these problems.

Key fobs are often jostled around, and adjusting the buttons can allow them to function properly again. If replacing the battery doesn't help, the fob may need to be replaced entirely.

Dead Key Fob Batteries

Although the old jingling keys to cars seem long gone, the reality is that a lot of cars still have key fobs. They can be very useful however when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It is crucial to ensure they are charged always. Unfortunately, this can be difficult and a dead key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.

There are ways to get out of this situation. Based on the make and model of your car there could be an electronic car key repair near me lock on the fob. Certain models also have a backup button that can be pressed to start the engine. This is a last resort and is usually only used to help you get from point A to point B, but it could be used in certain instances.

If you're unable to start your car using this method, then the next best option is to lift the front of your vehicle off the ground using a set jumper cables. Connect the red cable to the big terminal of the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give the fob battery enough energy to start your vehicle, if not to bring you home or to the mechanic.

You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Do not apply too much force to the case or it will pop open and scatter pieces of the fob all over your living space.

After opening the case, use your pry tool to wedge around the fasteners as you would a slice of apple or orange and begin separating the two halves. Do not pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key car repair (Keep Reading) fob programmed. If you disturb these, you will have to go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it programmed again.

Keys Locked 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 car keys in their purses or inside their homes which is why this isn't usually an issue. In this case you should contact an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They can open the trunk without damaging your car and may be able to fix any broken locks which caused this issue.

You can also contact the dealership and ask them to create a key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep the spare key in your wallet or home and keep it in case you need to lock your keys inside the trunk again.

If you don't have an extra, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers trunk release. This can be a complicated process and requires you to follow safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended if don't have a lot of automotive experience.

If standard locksmith techniques aren't working, you can make use of household tools like screwscrews or a rod made of metal. A spatula, or any other kitchen tools can be used to open the trunk open or make space. Unfortunately, key Repairs Near Me some cars are equipped with advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A specialist will 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 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 on hand or contact your dealer for the possibility of rekeying. This should help you to avoid any future issues.

Damaged Ignition

It may seem simple to turn the key however there are a lot of parts and steps that need to work together to get the car started. If one part fails, or even if an individual step isn't completed correctly, it could cause you to lose control or power while driving along the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing signs of ignition issues.

If your ignition is starting to become harder and harder to turn It's an ideal idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. Using automotive lock picks, they can often remove the cylinder of the ignition to free it from any slight destruction that could be causing the issue. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full function of your vehicle.

If your car is stalling when you're driving it could be a sign that you require an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers when your engine stops while you are driving. You may also be at risk of causing an accident. These problems can be caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, or other components.

You may have to replace the entire ignition switch if you have more than a jammed switch. In these cases it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column, and then removing the old ignition assembly, then installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and operate your car. This can save you money and time when you are considering buying a new car. It is also much faster than waiting for a shop to open at a convenient hour.

Damaged Locks

There are a variety of reasons that your car's locks may be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved by simple swapping of the battery for the key repair shops near me fob while others require a more thorough repair to fix the mechanical components or electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can be a significant issue for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to corrosion, discoloration and wear over time. This can lead to the lock becoming not functional anymore. To avoid this from happening, routine inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be corrected before they get worse.

If you are having trouble to insert or turn the key into your door lock It could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. This is likely due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this issue by using a damp cotton swab or q-tip and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.

Another reason that your door locks might be stuck is because the pins in the cylinder are not aligned. The problem can be corrected by removing the lock and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured with the correct screws.

The key itself could be damaged in some way. This can be caused by excessive force when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the issue try using a spare key and see if there aren't any issues. The best method to fix any issue is to talk to a professional locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the root cause of the problem and use special tools to eliminate any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore functionality. A locksmith will also provide recommendations to protect your car lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can aid in protecting the lock from harsh elements in the environment.