5 Must-Know Key Car Repair Techniques To Know For 2024

What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

It's not common to lose or damage keys to cars. Auto locksmiths are able to resolve these problems.

Key fobs are often jostled around, so adjusting buttons can help them function properly again. If replacing the battery does not help, the fob may require replacement completely.

Dead Key Fob Battery

Although it might seem that the days of jingling keys are long gone, many automobiles still rely on key fobs. remote key fob repair can be useful however, should their batteries go out, they can become problematic. It's important to keep them fully charged always. This can be a difficult task, and a dead battery on your key fob can cause you to be stranded.

The good news is that there are ways to get out of this situation. Depending on your make and model it is likely to have a mechanical key in the fob that you can use to open the door. Some models have an alternative key that can be used to start the car. This is a last resort that's usually only meant to help you get to your destination, but it can work in certain cases.

If you're unable to start the car using this method, the next best option is to raise your vehicle front end 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 to any nearby ground. This will give the fob battery enough power to start your car or get you home or an auto mechanic.

Another alternative is to take the fob's key to an Interstate All Battery Center location to purchase a replacement battery. To change the battery you'll need a small screwdriver that is flat or butter knivescrew, or other pry tools. Don't apply too much force to the case or it will pop open and scatter parts of the fob all over your living area.

After opening the case, use your pry tool to wedge around the fasteners in the same way you would with an orange or an apple and start separating the halves. Be cautious not to pull on the antennas or circuit boards which contain the power that keeps the key fob plugged in to your vehicle. You'll have to take it to your dealer or auto repair shop in the event that you damage the circuit boards or antennas.

Locked Keys in the Trunk

Sometimes, it's simple to lock your keys inside your trunk, particularly if you're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys somewhere in their purses or inside their homes and wallets, so this shouldn't be a problem. In this instance, you can call an emergency roadside assistance or locksmiths to retrieve your keys. They will unlock the trunk without damaging your car and may be able to repair any broken locks that contributed to the incident.

You can also contact the dealership to have them make a key for you. It is advisable to keep a spare key 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 an alternative, you can still open the trunk by overriding the locking mechanism. This involves shorting a fuse that powers trunk release. It's important to adhere to safety guidelines as this process can be complicated. Consult the owner's manual for directions on how to accomplish this. This method is not recommended for people who don't have extensive car experience.

If standard locksmith techniques aren't working, you can make use of household tools like screwscrews or a rod made of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to open the trunk open or make space. However, some vehicles come with advanced security features that block these methods from working, which is why a specialist will likely be required to open your trunk. They can also carry out a keying or jiggle to bypass the locking system, or they may have to make a hole in the trunk door and lock actuator in order to bypass the locking mechanism. These procedures are costly, so you should keep an emergency key in your possession or contact your dealer for the possibility of Rekeying. This should help you to avoid any future problems.

Damaged Ignition

Turning the key in your car could appear to be a simple job, but it actually involves many more steps and a variety of parts that have to be in sync to allow the car to begin. If a component fails or if a single step is not performed correctly it could result in loss of control or power as you drive. Being aware of the signs that indicate your ignition is having trouble will help you avoid more serious problems, and help you find the correct solutions.

If broken car key repair near me is beginning to get harder and harder to turn, it's an ideal idea to have a mobile mechanic check the system for damage. They can take out the cylinder of ignition with the help of automotive lock picks to fix any damage that may have caused the problem. The problem can be fixed by reprogramming the ignition or the key right on the spot. This allows you to leave with the full functioning of your vehicle.

If your car stalls when you're driving it could be a sign you need an ignition repair. It can be dangerous for other drivers in the event that your engine ceases to function while you're driving. You could be at risk of having an accident. These issues could be caused by damaged ignition switches, worn ignition coils, and other parts.


It is possible to replace the entire ignition switch in the event that you have more than a stuck switch. In these situations it is possible to have a mobile mechanic usually do an on-the spot car ignition replacement for you. The mechanic can accomplish this by removing your steering column, taking out the old one and installing the new one. This makes it easier for you to insert the key into the ignition and start your vehicle. This type of replacement can save you time and money over the purchase of a brand new car and will be a lot quicker than waiting for an auto shop to open up at a convenient time for you.

Damaged Locks

There are a few common reasons why your car locks may be damaged. Some of these problems are easily solved by changing the key fob batteries and others require an extensive repair to repair mechanical components or the electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures or sun exposure, and even dust can be a major issue for locking systems. These environmental conditions may cause discoloration, corrosion, and wear over time. This could lead to the lock becoming not functional anymore. Regular inspections are essential to prevent this.

If you're having trouble making the key turn in your door lock, it could indicate that the mechanism has jammed. This could be due to grime or dirt accumulation. You can resolve this problem by using a damp cotton swab, q-tip or cotton swab and spraying a graphite spray or silicone spray on the lock.

Another reason your door locks may be jammed is that the pins inside the cylinder are misaligned. This is usually fixed by taking the lock cylinder off and manually aligning it with the keyhole on the door. Once the cylinder has been relocated, the screws should be used to secure it.

Finally, a common problem is that the actual key is damaged in some way. This could be due to excessive force being used in turning the key or the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the case, you can try using an alternative key to see whether it functions without issues. Ultimately, the best way to address any damage is to consult with a professional locksmith. They will conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the root cause of the problem. They will then employ 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 can also make recommendations on how to protect your lock from further damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.

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Pub: 04 Oct 2024 23:15 UTC
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