Comprehensive List Of Key Car Repair Dos And Don'ts
What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged
Car keys see a lot of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or lost. Auto locksmiths can often solve these issues.
Key fobs are often jostled around, so changing buttons can help them function again. If replacing the battery doesn't help, the fob may require replacement entirely.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though it appears that keys that jingle are over, a lot of automobiles still rely on key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can pose a problem when the batteries fail. It is essential to keep them charged always. This can be a difficult task and a dead battery in your key fob can cause you to be stranded.
There are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on your model and make, there is often an electronic key on the fob that can be used to open the door. Certain models also have an emergency button that can be used to start the engine. This is a last resort and typically only used to bring you to your destination, but may work in certain cases.
If you're unable start the car using this method, the next best option is to raise the front end of your vehicle off the ground with a set of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable up to the large terminal on the starter and the black cable on to any nearby ground. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started, or at least get you home or an auto mechanic.
You can also bring the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to purchase a new battery. You'll need to have an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife, or any other pry tool to access the inside of the fob and open it to replace the battery. Do not apply too much force to the case or it will break and scatter bits of the fob all over your living area.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to get around the fasteners as you would an apple or orange and begin to separate the two halves. Don't pull on the antennas or circuit boards that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You'll need to take it to your dealer or repair shop for your vehicle when you cause damage to the circuit boards or antennas.
Locked keys in the trunk
Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys in your trunk, particularly if you're on the move or distracted. There are many people who keep spare keys for their cars inside their wallets or at home and wallets, so this shouldn't be a problem. In this instance, you can call an emergency roadside assistance or a locksmith to take your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle, and they may even be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to the incident.
Depending on the situation You can also have someone else bring you the spare key or contact the dealership to request an entirely new key for you. Of course, the best alternative is to keep a spare key in your wallet or at home and have it if you keep your keys locked in the trunk again.
If you do not have an extra trunk, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting the fuse that controls the trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to follow safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended if do not have much experience in the field of automobiles.
In the event that traditional locksmith methods aren't working You can use household items such as a screwdriver and rods made of metal. A spatula or other kitchen tools can be used to force the trunk open or create space. Sadly, some vehicles come with advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A specialist will be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out the jiggle or rekeying method to disable the locking mechanism, or they might have to cut the actuator for the trunk lock and create a hole in the door. These methods can be costly, which is why it's recommended to keep a spare key for emergencies or ask your dealer for a rekeying solution. In the ideal scenario, this will help you avoid any problems in the future.
Damaged Ignition
It might seem easy to turn the ignition key however there are a lot of parts and steps that need to be in sync to get the car going. If a component fails, or if a single step is not properly executed you could lose control or power as you drive. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is failing will help you avoid more serious issues and identify the best solutions.
A mobile mechanic will check the ignition system for damage if it is becoming difficult to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can often remove the ignition cylinder to remove it from any minor damage that could be causing the issue. They can also resolve this issue by changing the key's programming or the ignition immediately and ensuring that you are able to drive away safely with your vehicle's full functionality in place.
Another indication that you may need an ignition repair is when your vehicle starts stalling while you're driving. It could be dangerous for other drivers in the event that your engine ceases to function while you're driving. You could be at risk of an accident. These problems can be caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, and other parts.
Sometimes, you could have more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed and require an entire replacement instead. In these instances it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually do 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 before installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and operate your car. This type of replacement can save your time and money compared to buying a brand new car and will be much quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a time that is convenient for you.
Damaged Locks
There are a variety of reasons that your car lock may be damaged. Some of these problems are easily fixable by replacing the batteries on the key fob while others require more extensive repairs to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, sun exposure and even dust can pose a major problem for lock systems. These environmental conditions can cause discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This could lead to the lock becoming no longer functional. Routine inspections are required to stop this from happening.
If you can try this out are having trouble to insert or turn the key into the lock on your door, it could be a sign that the mechanism is jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation that can be cured by a couple of simple DIY methods such as using an q-tip that is damp or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.
The pins in the cylinder may be misaligned. This can usually be fixed by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it to the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder has been repositioned, the screws should be used to secure it.
The key itself could be damaged in some way. This can be caused by the force used when turning the key or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, try using a spare key to see whether it functions without issues. Ultimately, the best way to fix any issue is to consult with an expert locksmith. These experts will perform an extensive examination to identify the root of the issue. They will then use specially designed tools and take out any debris that may be in the lock mechanism. They will then replace the broken parts with new ones to restore function. Locksmiths can also offer recommendations on how to protect your lock from future damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields which can aid in protecting the lock from harsh elements in the environment.