How Key Car Repair Impacted My Life The Better
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 lost. In many instances these situations, the problem are handled by a locksmith for cars.
Key fobs often get jostled around, so adjusting buttons can help them function normally again. If the replacement of the battery isn't working, you might need to replace the fob.
Dead Key Fob Batteries
Even though the old jingling car keys 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 essential to keep them fully charged throughout the day. This is a daunting task and a dead battery in your key fob could leave you stranded.
The good news is that there are options to escape this situation. Depending on the model and brand of your vehicle, you may have an electronic lock on the fob. Certain models come with an additional key that can be used to start the vehicle. This works as an emergency and is typically only intended to get you from point 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 your vehicle front end off of the ground with a set 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 start your car or get you to home or an expert mechanic.
You can also take the key fob into an Interstate All Battery Center to obtain the new battery. You'll need to have small flathead screwdrivers or butter knife, or any other pry tool to get access to the inside of the fob, and then open it to change the battery. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may pop open and scatter fob parts all over your living room.
After opening the case, use the pry tool to wrap around the fasteners in the same way you would an apple or orange and begin separating the two halves. Do not pull the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. You will need to take it to a dealer or auto repair shop if you disturb the antennas or circuit boards.
Keys locked in the trunk
It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're distracted or in a hurry. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this instance you should contact an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may be able to repair any damaged locks that contributed to the incident.
Depending on the situation, you can also ask someone else to bring you a spare key or contact the dealership to request a new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep an extra key in your wallet or home, so you can have it if you put your keys in the trunk again.
If you don't have an alternative trunk, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves the shorting of a fuse that controls the trunk release. This procedure can be complicated and requires you to adhere to 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 a lot of experience in the field of automobiles.
If the standard methods of locksmithing aren't working, you can use household items like a screwdriver or a metal rod. A spatula or other kitchen tools can be used to pry the trunk open or create space. Unfortunately, some cars are equipped with advanced security features that prevent these methods working. A specialist is required to unlock your trunk. These specialists can also perform a keying or jiggle to get around the locking mechanism or they may have to make a hole in the trunk's door and lock actuator in order to bypass the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly and should be kept as an emergency key available or contact your dealer for an rekeying. It is ideal that this helps you avoid any issues in the future.
Damaged Ignition
Turning the key in your car may seem like a straightforward task, but it actually involves several steps and a number of parts that need to cooperate in order for the car to begin. If a component fails or if a single step is not done correctly you could lose control or power as you drive. Recognizing the signs that your ignition is not working properly will help you avoid more serious issues, and find the correct solutions.
If your ignition is beginning to become harder and harder to turn, it's an ideal idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. Using automotive lock picks, they are able to remove the cylinder of the ignition to remove it from any damage which could be the cause of the issue. The issue can be resolved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This allows you to drive away with the full functioning of your vehicle.
Another sign that you may require an ignition repair is when your car begins to stop while you're driving. If your engine is shut off when you're moving it could pose a risk to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other components can create these types of problems So fixing them quickly is vital.
You may need to replace the entire ignition switch if you have more than a stuck switch. In these instances the mechanic who is mobile is usually able to perform an ignition replacement on the spot. They can do this by disassembling the steering column and taking out the old ignition assembly before installing the new one, making it easier to insert the key and start your vehicle. This kind of repair can save your time and money compared to a completely new car, and will be a lot 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 why your car locks may be damaged. Some of these issues can be solved by replacing the key fob battery, while others require a more thorough repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system.
Weather Damage
Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust are all major issues for locks. These environmental conditions may cause corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This could lead to the lock becoming not functional anymore. Routine inspections are necessary to prevent this.
If you're having trouble making the key turn in the lock on your door, this could be a sign that the mechanism has become jammed. This is most likely due to dirt and grime accumulation, which can be solved by a couple of simple DIY techniques, like 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 might be out of alignment. This is usually fixed by removing the lock's cylinder and manually aligning it with the keyhole of the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured with the appropriate screws.
key fob repairs may be damaged in some way. This can be due to excessive force being used when turning the key, or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, try using an alternate key to determine if it works with no issues. The best method to repair any damage is to speak with a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will perform an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the issue. They'll then use specially designed tools and remove any debris from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith will also provide suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather-resistant covers or shields that can aid in protecting the lock from harsh elements in the environment.