15 Shocking Facts About Key Car Repair That You Never Knew

What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged Car keys see a lot of use and it's not uncommon for them to be damaged or even lost. In car key fob repairs , they are handled by a locksmith for cars. Key fobs often get jostled around, so adjusting buttons can help them function again. If the replacement of the battery does not work, you could have to replace the fob. Dead Key Fob Battery Even though the days of the old jingling car keys seem long gone, the reality is that a lot of cars still have key fobs. They can be very useful however if their batteries die they could become a problem. That's why they should be kept charged at all times. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery on your key fob can cause you to be stranded. The good news is that there are options to escape this situation. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, you may have an electronic lock in the fob. Some models also come with a backup button that can be used to start the engine. This works as an emergency and is usually only used to help you get from point A to point B, but it could be used in certain instances. If you are unable to get your car started using this method, then the best option is to lift the front of your car off the ground using set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to a large terminal of the starter and the black cable to the ground nearby. This will give your fob battery enough power to get your vehicle started or at the very least get you home or a mechanic. Another option is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. You'll need an incredibly small screwdriver with a flat head or butter knife or another pry tool to reach the inside of the fob and open it to replace the battery. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure on the case, or it may explode and scatter fob components all over your living space. Once you've opened the case, wedge your tool around the fasteners in the same way you peel an apple or orange and begin to separate the halves. Don't pull on the circuit boards or antennas that contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob programmed. You will need to take it to a dealer or repair shop for your vehicle if you disturb the antennas or circuit boards. Locked keys in the trunk Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, particularly if you're on the move or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys inside their wallets or at home and wallets, so this shouldn't be a problem. In this situation you can contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to get your keys. They will be able to open the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could even fix any broken locks which contributed to this incident. Depending on your situation You can also have someone else bring you your spare key or contact the dealership to ask them to create the new key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare in your wallet or at home, so that you can use it if your keys are locked inside the trunk. If you don't have a spare key, then you could attempt to unlock the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves the shorting of a fuse that controls trunk release. It's important to adhere to safety guidelines as this process could be a bit complicated. You can find guidelines for your specific vehicle by referring to the owner's manual. This method is not recommended for people who don't have significant automobile experience. If the traditional methods for locksmithing do not work, you could use household items like screwscrews or a rod made of metal. A spatula or other kitchen tools can be used to open the trunk open or create space. Unfortunately, some vehicles have advanced security features that stop these methods from working. A specialist will be needed to unlock your trunk. The experts can also execute a keying or jiggle to bypass locking system or drill a hole into the trunk's door and lock actuator 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. This will aid you in avoiding any future issues. Damaged Ignition It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however, there are many parts and steps that need to work together to get the car started. If a component fails, or if a single step is not performed correctly it could result in loss of the power or control you drive. You can prevent more serious issues by recognizing the symptoms of ignition issues. A mobile mechanic can check the ignition system for damage if it is becoming harder to turn. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can usually take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any slight destruction that may be causing the problem. The issue can be solved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key right on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full functioning of your vehicle. If your car stops when you're driving, this could indicate that you need an ignition repair. If your engine is shut off while you're in motion it could be dangerous to other drivers and put you at risk of accidents on the road. These problems can be caused by worn ignition switches, ignition coils, or other components. You may have to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than a blocked switch. In these instances an auto mechanic is usually in a position to complete an ignition replacement on the instantaneously. The mechanic on the mobile will be able do this by removing your steering column, removing the old part and putting in the new one. This will make it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and start your vehicle. This type of replacement 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 that your car's locks may be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved by simple swapping of the key fob battery, while others require a more thorough repair to fix the mechanical parts or electronic locking system. Weather Damage Extreme temperatures or sun exposure, and even dust can pose a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion and wear over time which can ultimately cause the lock to become inoperable. To avoid this from happening, regular inspections should be performed so any issues can be addressed prior to their deterioration. If you're having difficulty making the key turn in the lock on your door, this could be a sign that the mechanism has become jammed. It is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a few simple do-it-yourself methods such as using a damp q-tip or a cotton swab and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray. The pins in the cylinder could also be misaligned. This can be corrected by taking the lock cylinder off and then manually aligning it with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder has been repositioned it must be secured with the correct screws. The key itself may be damaged in some way. This can be due to excessive force being used when turning the key, or if it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the cause, use a spare key and see if there are no issues. In the end, the best approach to repair any damage is to speak with a professional locksmith. The locksmiths will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the root of the problem. They'll then use specialized tools and remove any debris from 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 further damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from harsh elements.