What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

Car keys get lots of use, and it's not uncommon for them to get damaged or even lost. In many cases these instances, they are handled by a locksmith for cars.

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

Dead Key Fob Battery

Even though it may seem that keys that jingle are over, a lot of cars still use key fob repair near me fobs. Fobs are handy, but they can pose a problem when the batteries fail. It is essential 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 stranded.

The good news is that there are ways to get out of this situation. Based on the make and model of your car, you may have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the vehicle. This works as a last resort and is typically only intended to get you from A to B, but it could be useful in certain situations.

If you're not able to start the car using this method, the best option is to raise the front of your car off of the ground with an assortment of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable up to the big terminal on the starter and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will give your fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started, or at least bring you home or to an auto key fob repair mechanic.

Another alternative is to take your key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. To change the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat or butter knivescrew as well as other pry tools. Do not apply too much pressure to the case or it could pop open and scatter bits of the fob throughout your living space.

After opening the case, use your pry tool to wrap around the fasteners in the same way you would with an apple or orange and start separating the halves. Be careful not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electricity that keeps the key fob plugged in to your vehicle. If you do, you will have to go to your dealer or an auto repair car key shop to have it re-programmed.

Locked keys in the trunk

It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this instance you should contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to rescue your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging the car and could even fix any damaged locks that caused this issue.

Depending on your situation You can also ask someone else to bring you a spare key or call the dealership and have them create the new key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep an extra Key Car repair in your wallet or home, so you can keep it handy in the event that you put your keys in the trunk again.

If you don't have a spare key, then you can attempt to unlock the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves the shorting of a fuse that controls trunk release. This procedure can be complicated, and it's important to adhere to safety guidelines. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by going to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who don't have extensive car experience.

If the traditional methods for locksmithing aren't working, you can employ household items such as the screwdriver or rod made of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to force the trunk open or create space. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features which prevent these methods from working. A specialist is required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform a jiggle or rekeying procedure to disable the locking mechanism, or they might have to drill the trunk lock actuator and make a hole in the door. These techniques are costly, so it's recommended to keep a spare key car repair for emergencies or ask your dealer to request a rekeying service. This will hopefully help you to avoid any future problems.

Damaged Ignition

Turning on the key in your car could seem like a straightforward task however, it involves many more steps and a series of components that must cooperate for the vehicle to start. If a part fails or if a single step is not properly executed it could result in loss of power or control as you drive. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing the indications of ignition problems.

A mobile mechanic can check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. They can take off the cylinder that controls the ignition using automotive lock picks to fix any damage that might have caused the problem. They can also address this issue by programming the key or the ignition itself on the spot and ensure that you're able to drive off without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality in place.

Another sign that you might require an ignition repair is when your car begins slowing down while you're driving. If your engine is shut off while you're in motion, it can be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. These problems are often caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, and other components.

You may have to replace the entire ignition switch if you have more than one stuck switch. In these cases an expert mechanic on the move can usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. The mobile mechanic will be able do this by disassembling your steering column, taking out the old part and putting in the new one. This will allow you to insert the key into the ignition and start your vehicle. This kind of replacement could save your time and money compared to a completely new car, and will be much quicker than waiting for an automotive shop to open at a time that is convenient for you.

Damaged Locks

There are a variety of reasons that your car lock could be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved with a quick swap of the battery for the key fob, while others require a more thorough repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can be a major problem for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time. This can eventually cause the lock to become non-functional. In order to prevent this from happening, routine inspections must be conducted so that any issues can be corrected prior to their deterioration.

If you are having trouble to insert or turn the key into your door lock, it could be an indication that the mechanism is stuck. This could be due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can resolve this problem by using a moist cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.

Another reason your door locks might be jammed is that the pins in the cylinder are misaligned. This can be corrected by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it to the keyhole of the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned and secured with the appropriate screws.

The key itself may be damaged in a way. This could be due to excessive force being used when turning the key or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the case, try using a spare key to see whether it is working without issues. The best method to fix any issue is to speak with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough diagnosis to identify the root of the issue. They will use specialized tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore functionality. Locksmiths can also offer suggestions to safeguard your car lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that protect your lock from the harsh elements.