It's The Perfect Time To Broaden Your Key Car Repair Options
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 be damaged or lost. In many cases these instances, they can be handled by a locksmith for cars.
Adjusting buttons can help bring back functionality to fobs with keys that have been jostled. If the replacement battery doesn't work, you may have to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Battery
Even though it may seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many cars still use key fobs. These fobs are useful, but when their batteries fail, they can become problematic. It's important to keep them fully charged throughout the day. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery in your key fob could leave you in a bind.
The good news is that there are solutions to get out of this situation. Depending on the model and brand of your vehicle you might have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models also have a backup button that can be used to start the engine. This can be used as an emergency and is generally only designed to help you get from point A to B, but it could work in some cases.
If you're not able to get your car started using this method, then the next best option is to raise the front of your vehicle off the ground with set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started or at the very least bring you home or to a mechanic.
Another alternative is to take your fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To change the battery, you'll require an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may break open and scatter fob pieces all over your living space.
After you have opened the case Once you've opened the case, wrap your tool around the fasteners like you peeling an orange or apple and begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull on the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You will need to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop when you cause damage to the antennas or circuit boards.
car key fob repairs locked in the trunk
Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially when you're on the move or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this instance you should contact an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to get your keys. They can open the trunk without damaging your car and may even be able repair any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.
Based on your circumstances You can also ask someone else to bring you your spare key or call the dealership and ask them to create a new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep an extra key in your wallet or home to have it if you lock your keys inside the trunk again.
If you don't have an alternative, you can still open the trunk if you override the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers the trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines since this procedure could be a bit complicated. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to do this. This method is not recommended for those who do not have a lot of car experience.
If standard locksmith techniques don't work, you can make use of household tools like the screwdriver or rod made of metal. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to force the trunk open or make space. However, some vehicles come with advanced security features that block these methods from working, so experts will likely be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to disable the locking mechanism or to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and create a hole in the door. These techniques are expensive and should be kept as an emergency key available or contact your dealer for the possibility of reconkeying. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
Turning on the key in your car may seem like a simple task however it requires many more steps and a series of parts that have to be in sync in order for the car to start. If a part fails or if even one step is not done correctly, you can lose power or control as you drive. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing signs of ignition issues.
A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it is becoming difficult to turn. They can remove the cylinder that controls the ignition using automotive lock picks to repair any damage that could have caused the issue. 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 indication that you may need an ignition repair is when your car starts slowing down while you're driving. If your engine stops when you're moving, it can be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, and other components.
It is possible to replace the entire ignition switch if you have more than a blocked switch. In these instances an auto mechanic will typically be able to perform an ignition replacement 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 time and money over the purchase of a brand new car and is much faster than waiting for an auto shop to open at a convenient time for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons why your car locks could be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved with simple swapping of the battery on the key fob while others require a more meticulous repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures as well as sun exposure and dust can be a significant issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This could lead to locks that are no longer functioning. Routine inspections are necessary to avoid this.
If you're having difficulty to insert or turn the key in the lock on your door It could be an indication that the mechanism is blocked. It is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation that can be cured by a couple of simple DIY methods such as using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.
The pins inside the cylinder could also be out of alignment. This can be corrected by removing the lock cylinder and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder is moved, screws must be used to fix it.
The key itself may be damaged in some way. This can be caused by the force used when turning the key, or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, you can try using an alternate key to determine whether it is working without problems. In the end, the best approach to fix any issue is to consult with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnosis to determine the cause of the issue. They will use special tools to eliminate any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new parts to restore the functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.