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 get damaged or lost. Auto locksmiths are able to resolve these issues.

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

Dead Key Fob Battery

Although the old jingling keys to cars seem long gone, the fact is that a lot of cars still have fobs for keys. They can be very useful however if their batteries die they could become a problem. It is crucial to ensure they are charged at all times. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery in your key fob can cause you to be stranded.

There are ways to get out of this scenario. Depending on your model and make, there is often an electronic key on the fob that you can use to open the door. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort and typically only used to get you to your destination, but may work in certain cases.

If you're not able to start your car using this method, the best option is to raise the front of your car off the ground with set jumper cables. Hook the red cable to the big terminal of the starter, and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to start your car keys repairs or at the very least bring you home or to a mechanic.

Another alternative is to take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center location for a new replacement battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat, butter knivescrew or other tools for prying. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it could pop open and scatter fob pieces all over your living room.

After opening the case, use the pry tool to wedge around the fasteners in the same way you would an orange or an apple and begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull on the circuit boards or antennas which carry the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You'll need to take it to your dealer or repair shop for your vehicle if you disturb the circuit boards or antennas.

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 home. In this case you should contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to come and help you retrieve your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without harming your vehicle and could be able to fix any damaged locks that contributed to this incident.

You can also contact the dealership to have them make a key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep an extra 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 a spare, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting out an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to follow the safety guidelines. You can find the instructions for your particular vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended if don't have much automotive experience.

If the standard methods of locksmithing aren't working, you can employ household items such as a screwdriver or a rod made of steel. Kitchen tools like spatulas are also useful in creating space or opening the trunk open. Sadly, some vehicles are equipped with advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A professional is required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform a jiggle or rekeying procedure to bypass the locking system or to drill the actuator of the trunk lock and then create a hole through the door. These techniques can be costly, which is why it's recommended to keep a spare key for emergencies or contact your dealership for a rekeying service. Ideally, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.

Damaged Ignition

Turning the key in your car could seem like a simple task however, it involves numerous steps and a number of parts that have to cooperate to allow the car to begin. If one part fails, or even if one step isn't executed correctly, it could cause you to lose control or power while driving on the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing the symptoms of ignition issues.

A mobile mechanic will check your ignition system for damage if it's becoming more difficult to turn. They can take off the ignition cylinder by using automotive lock picks in order to repair any damage that may have caused the issue. The issue can be solved by reprogramming the ignition or the broken key repair near me right on the spot. This allows you to drive away with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.

Another sign that you may need an ignition repair is when your car begins slowing down while you're driving. If your engine shuts off while you're driving it could be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. These issues are often caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.

It is possible to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than one jammed switch. In these situations, a mobile key fob repair mechanic can typically perform an on-the-spot ignition replacement for you. They'll be able to accomplish 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 repair shop and start your vehicle. This can help you save money and time in comparison to buying a brand new vehicle. It's also quicker than waiting for a store to open at a suitable time.

Damaged Locks

There are a variety of reasons why your car's lock could be damaged. Some of these issues can be solved by simple swapping of the key fob battery 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 pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can cause wear, corrosion, and discoloration over time. This can eventually lead to the lock becoming non-functional. Routine inspections are required to avoid this.

If you find yourself struggling to insert or turn the key into your door lock It could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved with a few easy DIY methods, such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab, and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.

Another reason your door locks might be jammed is because the pins inside the cylinder are misaligned. The issue can be fixed by taking the lock off and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is moved, screws must be used to ensure it is secured.

The key itself may be damaged in any way. This could be due to the force used when turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this is the cause then try a different key and check if there aren't any issues. The best way to repair any issue is to contact an expert locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough diagnostic to identify the root of the issue and employ specialized tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new ones to ensure full functionality. A locksmith can also make suggestions for how to protect your lock from further damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.