The Top Key Car Repair Gurus Are Doing 3 Things

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 restore functionality to fobs with keys that have been jostled. If the battery replacement doesn't work, you may have to replace the fob.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Even though the old jingling keys to cars are long gone, the fact remains that many cars have key fobs. The fobs can be useful, but should their batteries go out, they can become problematic. That's why they need to be always charged. This can be a challenging task and a dead battery in your key fob can leave you stranded.

The good news is that there are ways to escape this situation. Depending on the model and make of your car, you may have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models also have an emergency button that can be pressed to start the engine. This is an emergency and is usually only used to get you from A to B, but it could work in some cases.

If you're unable to start the car keys repairs using this method, the best option is to lift the front end of your vehicle off of the ground with a set of jumper cables and hook the red cable to the big terminal on the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will allow the fob battery to have enough juice to start your vehicle, or at least get you home or to a mechanic.

Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location for a new replacement battery. To change the battery, you'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knivescrew as well as other tools for prying. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it may pop open and scatter fob parts throughout your living room.

After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners in the same way you would an orange or an apple and start separating the halves. Do not pull the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. If you disturb these then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair car key Fob shop to get it re-programmed.

Locked keys in the trunk

It's simple to lock the keys in your trunk when you're in a rush. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys somewhere in their purses or inside their homes and wallets, so this shouldn't be an issue. In this instance you can contact an emergency roadside service or locksmiths to take your keys. They will be able to unlock the trunk without harming your car and could be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to the incident.

You can also call the dealership to have them make a key for you. Of course, a better option is to keep the spare key in your wallet or at home and keep it handy in the event that you put your keys in the trunk again.

If you do not have an extra one, you are able to open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to follow safety guidelines. You can find instructions for your specific vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for those who don't have much experience in the field of automobiles.

If conventional locksmith techniques don't work then you could use household items such as a screwdriver or rods of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to force the trunk open or make space. Unfortunately, some cars are equipped with advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. The experts can also execute the jiggle or keying process to bypass the locking system, or they may have to drill a hole into the trunk door and lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These methods are costly and should be kept as an emergency key available or call your dealer to arrange a reconkeying. This should help you to avoid any future issues.

Damaged Ignition

It might appear easy to turn the ignition key, but there are many elements and steps that must be in sync to get the car going. If one part fails, or if an individual step isn't completed correctly, it can result in you being without power or control while you're driving along the road. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is not working properly can help you avoid larger problems, and help you find the correct solutions.

If your ignition is beginning to get harder and harder to turn, it's recommended to have a mobile car key repair mechanic check the system for damage. Using automotive lock picks, they can often remove the cylinder of the ignition to remove it from any damage that could be causing the problem. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full functionality of your vehicle intact.

If your car is stalling while you are driving it could indicate that you require an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off while you're in motion it could pose a risk to other drivers and put you at risk for accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, or other components.

You may need to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than a jammed switch. In these situations it is possible to have a mobile mechanic typically perform an on-the-spot ignition replacement for you. They'll be able to do this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly, and then installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start your car. This kind of replacement could save your time and money compared to a completely new car, and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an automotive key repair shop to open up at a time that works for you.

Damaged Locks

There are a few common reasons that your car lock may be damaged. Some of these issues are easily fixed by changing the batteries for the key fob and others require more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust are all major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can result in locks that are no longer functioning. In order to avoid this from happening, routine inspections are required so that any issues can be addressed before they worsen.

If you're having trouble inserting or turning the key in your door lock, it could indicate that the mechanism has become jammed. It could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can fix this problem by using a damp cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying graphite or silicone spray on the lock.

Another reason your door locks may be stuck is because the pins inside the cylinder are not aligned. The issue can be fixed by taking the lock off and manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been moved, screws must be used to ensure it is secured.

The key itself can be damaged in a way. This can be caused by excessive force applied when turning the key or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this to be the case, you can try using an alternative key to see whether it functions without issues. The best method to fix any issue is to speak with an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough analysis to identify the root of the issue and employ specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment off the lock mechanism. They will then replace the damaged parts with new ones to restore full function. A locksmith can also make recommendations on how to protect your lock from further damage. This could include weather-resistant covers or shields that can help protect the lock from harsh elements.