What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged<br /><br />Car keys get lots of use and it's not unusual for them to become damaged or lost. In many cases these situations, the problem can be handled by an auto locksmith.<br /><br />Adjusting buttons can restore functionality to fobs with keys that have been tossed around. If replacing the battery does not help, the fob may require replacement completely.<br /><br />Dead Key Fob Batteries<br /><br /><br /><br />Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of automobiles still have key fobs. Fobs are useful, but they can be a problem in the event that batteries go out. It's important to keep them charged at all times. This can be a challenging task, and a dead battery on your key fob can leave you in a bind.<br /><br />The good news is that there are options to escape this situation. Depending on the model and brand of your vehicle there could be an electronic lock on the fob. Some models have a backup key that can be used to start the vehicle. This works as an option in the event of a breakdown and is usually only used to get you from point A to B, but it can work in some cases.<br /><br />If you're unable start the car using this method, the best option is to lift the front of your car off of the ground with an assortment of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable up to the big terminal on the starter, and the black cable on to any nearby ground. This will provide the fob battery with enough power to start the vehicle, if not to bring you home or to an auto mechanic.<br /><br />Another alternative is to take your fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to get a new battery. You'll need small flathead screwdrivers, butter knife or other pry tool to access the inside of the fob and open it to replace the battery. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it may explode and scatter fob parts throughout your living room.<br /><br />After opening the case, use the pry tool to wedge around the fasteners as you would with an apple or orange and begin separating the two halves. Don't pull the circuit boards or antennas, which contain the electrical current that keeps your key fob in the program. If you damage these, you will have to visit your dealership or an auto repair shop to have it reset.<br /><br />Locked keys in the trunk<br /><br />Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys in your trunk, especially when you're in a hurry or distracted. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at their homes. In this instance you should contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to come and get your keys. They will unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle and could be able fix any broken locks that caused this incident.<br /><br />Depending on the situation, you can also request someone else to bring you a spare key or call the dealership and ask them to create an entirely new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep a spare key in your wallet or home and have it if you lock your keys inside the trunk again.<br /><br />If you do not have a spare trunk, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves cutting off a fuse which powers trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to adhere to the safety guidelines. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to complete this. This method is not recommended for those who don't have a lot of experience in the field of automobiles.<br /><br />If the standard methods of locksmithing don't work, you can use household items like a screwdriver or a metal rod. Kitchen tools like a spatula can also be useful in creating space or prying the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features that prevent these methods from working, and experts will likely be required to open your trunk. These specialists can also perform a keying or jiggle to get around the locking mechanism or drill a hole into the trunk's door and lock actuator to disable the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly and you should have an emergency key on hand or ask your dealer for a rekeying. In the ideal scenario, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.<br /><br />Damaged Ignition<br /><br />It may seem simple to turn the key however there are a lot of steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car started. If a component fails, or if even one step is not properly executed you could lose power or control as you drive. Knowing the signs that your ignition is failing will help you avoid more serious issues and identify the correct solutions.<br /><br />If your ignition is starting to get harder and harder to turn, it's recommended to conduct a mobile mechanic inspection of the system for damage. Using automotive lock picks, they can usually remove the cylinder of the ignition to remove it from any slight destruction which could be the cause of the issue. The issue can be solved by reprogramming either the ignition or the key on the spot. This will allow you to drive away with the full function of your vehicle.<br /><br />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 when your engine stops while you're driving. You could be at risk of having an accident. Worn ignition switches, ignition cylinders, and other parts can cause these types of problems and fixing them quickly is vital.<br /><br />Sometimes, you might have more trouble than just a jammed ignition switch and require a complete replacement instead. In these cases, a mobile mechanic is usually capable of performing an ignition replacement on the on the spot. They'll be able to accomplish this by disassembling the steering column and removing the old ignition assembly before installing the new one to make it easier to insert the key and start operating your car. This can save you money and time over buying a new vehicle. It's also quicker than waiting for a store to open at a time that is convenient for you. time.<br /><br />Damaged Locks<br /><br />There are a few common reasons that your car locks might be damaged. Some of these problems can be resolved with a quick swap of the battery for the key fob, while others require a more precise repair to fix the mechanical components or electronic locking system.<br /><br />Weather Damage<br /><br />Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can all be major issues for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to discoloration, corrosion and wear over time which can ultimately lead to the lock becoming non-functional. To stop this from happening, routine inspections are required so that any issues can be rectified before they worsen.<br /><br />If <a href="https://output.jsbin.com/wireleroga/">visit the website</a> find yourself struggling to insert or turn the key into your door lock It could be a sign that the mechanism is blocked. This is likely due to dirt or grime accumulation. You can fix this problem by using a moist cotton swab or q-tip and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.<br /><br />Another reason your door locks could be jammed is because the pins inside the cylinder are not aligned. The problem can be corrected by taking the lock off and manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is repositioned, it should be secured with the appropriate screws.<br /><br />The key itself may be damaged in a way. This could be due to excessive force applied when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the cause, use a spare key and verify that there aren't any issues. The best method to fix any damage is to consult a professional locksmith. These experts will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the cause of the problem and use special tools to eliminate any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will replace the broken pieces with new ones to restore the functionality. A locksmith can also give recommendations to protect your car lock from future damage. This can include weather resistant covers or shields that help protect the lock from harsh elements.<br /><br />