What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

Car keys get lots of use, and it's not uncommon for them to be damaged or even lost. In most cases these situations, the problem can be handled by a locksmith for cars.

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

Dead Key Fob Battery

Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of automobiles still rely on key fobs. These fobs are useful however if their batteries die they could cause problems. It is crucial to ensure they are charged throughout the day. Unfortunately this can be a challenge, and the battery of your key fob that is dead can leave you in the middle of nowhere.

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

If you're unable start your car using this method, the best option is to raise your vehicle front end off the ground with an assortment of jumper cables. Then, connect the red cable to the large terminal on the starter, and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will provide the fob battery with enough energy to start your vehicle, if not to take you home or to the mechanic.

Another option is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver, butter knivescrew or other pry tools. Don't apply too much force to the case, or it will break and scatter parts of the fob across your living area.

After you have opened the case Once you've opened the case, wrap your tool around the fasteners, like you would peel an orange or apple and begin separating the halves. Be careful not to pull the circuit boards or antennas which contain the power that keeps the key fob programmed to your vehicle. If you do then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to get it reset.

Locked Keys in the Trunk

It's easy to lock your keys in your trunk when you're in a rush. Many people keep spare keys in their wallets or at home. In this case you can contact a locksmith or a roadside assistance service to come and rescue your keys. They can unlock the trunk without damaging your vehicle and may even be able fix any damaged locks that caused the problem.

Depending on your situation, you can also have someone else bring you your spare key or contact the dealership to have them create a new key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare in your wallet or at home so that you can make use of it in the event that your keys are locked in the trunk.

If you do not have an extra one, you are able to open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers the trunk release. This process can be complex and requires you to follow safety guidelines. Consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to accomplish this. This method is not recommended for people who do not have a lot of automobile experience.

If the traditional methods for locksmithing aren't working, you can use household items like screwscrews or a metal rod. Kitchen tools, such as spatulas can be helpful in preparing space or prying the trunk open. Unfortunately, some cars have advanced security features that stop these methods from working, which is why experts will likely be required to open your trunk. The experts can also execute an jiggle or keying procedure to bypass locking system or they may have to cut a hole through the trunk's door and lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These techniques can be costly, so it's a good idea keep an emergency key or contact your dealership for a rekeying service. Ideally, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.

Damaged Ignition

It may seem simple to turn the ignition key however, there are many steps and parts that must be in sync to get the car running. If one component is damaged, or one step isn't executed correctly, it could result in you being without power or control while you're driving along the road. You can avoid more serious issues by recognizing the signs of ignition issues.

If your ignition is beginning to become harder and harder to turn, it's an ideal idea to conduct a mobile mechanic inspection of the system for damage. With the help of automotive lock picks, they can often take off the ignition cylinder to free it from any minor damage that may be causing the problem. They can also resolve this issue by reprogramming the key or the ignition in the moment and ensure that you're able to drive off without fear, with your vehicle's full functionality intact.

Another sign that you may need to repair your ignition is when your car starts to stop while you're driving. If your engine is shut off while you're driving, it can be dangerous to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. The malfunctioning ignition switches, ignition cylinders and other parts can cause these types of problems, so getting them fixed soon is essential.

Sometimes, you could have more trouble than an ignition switch that is jammed, and need an entire replacement instead. In these situations, a mobile mechanic can usually perform an on-the-spot car ignition replacement for you. The mobile mechanic can do this by disassembling the steering column, then removing the old assembly and installing the new one. This will allow you to insert the key into the ignition and operate your vehicle. This type of replacement can save your time and money compared to the purchase of a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open at a convenient time for you.

Damaged Locks

There are several common reasons why your car locks may be damaged. Certain of these issues can be resolved by simple swapping of the battery for the key fob and others require a more meticulous repair to repair the mechanical component or electronic locking system.


Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight and dust can all be major problems for lock systems. These environmental conditions can lead to corrosion, discoloration, and wear over time. This can result in a lock that is no longer functional. Routine inspections are required to stop this from happening.

If you're having difficulty turning or inserting the key in your door lock, this could indicate that the mechanism has become jammed. car remote key repair The Keylab Links to an external site. is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved by a couple of simple DIY methods such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab and spraying the lock with a graphite or silicone spray.

Another reason why your door locks could be jammed is that the pins inside the cylinder are not aligned. The issue can be rectified by taking the lock off and then manually aligning the cylinder with the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder is aligned it must be secured with the correct screws.

The final issue is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This can be due to the force used in turning the key or when it was cut incorrectly. If you suspect this to be the case, try using an alternate key to determine if it works with no issues. The best way to resolve any issue is to contact an expert locksmith. The locksmiths will conduct a thorough analysis to identify the root of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any debris or misalignment from the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore the functionality. A locksmith can also give suggestions to safeguard your car lock from further damage. This can include weather-proof covers or shields that help to protect the lock from harsh environmental elements.