Five Key Car Repair Projects For Any Budget What to Do When Your Car Keys Are Damaged

Car keys get lots of use and it's not uncommon for them to become damaged or even lost. In most cases, these issues can be dealt with by a locksmith for cars.

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

Dead Key Fob Batteries

Even though it appears that the days of jingling keys are over, a lot of automobiles still rely on key fobs. Fobs are handy, however they can be problematic if the batteries die. That's why they should be kept always charged. Unfortunately it can be a hassle and a dead key fob battery can leave you in the middle of nowhere.

The good news is that there are solutions to escape this situation. Based on the model and brand of your car, you may have an electronic lock on the fob. Some models also have an emergency button that can be used to start the engine. This can be used as an option in the event of a breakdown and is typically only intended to help you get from A to B, however it may work in some cases.

If you're not able to start your car using this method, then the next best option is to lift the front of your car off the ground using a set of jumper cables. Hook the red cable to a large terminal of the starter and the black cable to any nearby ground. This will provide your fob battery with enough power to get your vehicle started or at the very least bring you home or to a mechanic.

You can also take the key fob to an Interstate All Battery Center to purchase the new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need a small flathead screwscrewdriver or butter knivescrew, or other tools for prying. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to the case, or it may explode 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 to separate the two halves. Be careful not to pull on the circuit boards or antennas, which contain the electricity that keeps the key fob plugged in to your car. If you do then you must go to your dealer or an auto repair shop to have it re-programmed.

Keys locked in the Trunk

Sometimes, it's easy to lock your keys inside your trunk, especially if you're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, many people keep spare car keys somewhere indoors or in their wallets and wallets, so this shouldn't be an issue. In this situation you can contact an emergency locksmith or roadside assistance service to help you retrieve your keys. They will unlock the trunk without damaging your car and could be able to repair any damaged locks that caused this incident.

Depending on your situation, you can also ask someone else to bring you the spare key or contact the dealership to request a new key for you. Of course, a better alternative is to keep the spare key in your wallet or home to keep it handy in the event that you put your keys in the trunk again.

If you don't have an extra trunk, you can still open the trunk by modifying the locking mechanism. This involves shorting out an electrical fuse that powers the trunk release. It is important to follow safety guidelines as this procedure can be complicated. You can find the instructions for your specific 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 conventional locksmith techniques don't work You can use household items such as a screwdriver or rods of steel. A spatula or other kitchen tool can be used to force the trunk open or make space. Sadly, key repair car have advanced security features that prevent these techniques from working. A professional will be required to open your trunk. The experts can also execute a keying or jiggle to bypass the locking system, or make a hole in the door and the trunk lock actuator to bypass the locking mechanism. These techniques are costly, so it's recommended to keep an emergency key or ask your dealer for a rekeying solution. Ideally, this will help you avoid any issues in the future.

Damaged Ignition

Turning on the key in your car may appear to be a simple job, but it actually involves numerous steps and a variety of components that must be in sync for the vehicle to start. If one component fails, or if a single step doesn't happen correctly, it can leave you without power or control when you're driving along the road. Knowing the signs that your ignition is not working properly will help you avoid more serious problems, and help you find the correct solutions.

A mobile mechanic will check the ignition system for damage if it's becoming difficult to turn. They can remove the ignition cylinder with the help of automotive lock picks to fix any damage that may have caused the issue. They can also resolve this issue by programming the key or the ignition on the spot, making sure that you're able to drive off safely with your vehicle's full functionality in place.


Another sign that you might need to repair your ignition is when your car starts stalling while you're driving. If your engine shuts off while you're driving it could pose a risk to other drivers and expose you to accidents on the road. These problems could be caused by damaged ignition switches, ignition coils, and other components.

Sometimes, you could have more trouble than simply a jammed ignition switch and require an entire replacement instead. In such cases an auto mechanic is usually able to perform an ignition replacement on the spot. The mobile mechanic can accomplish this by removing your steering column, taking out the old part and putting in the new one. This makes it easier for you to put the key in the ignition and operate your vehicle. This can save you money and time over buying a new car. It's also faster than waiting for a shop to open at a convenient hour.

Damaged Locks

There are several common reasons that your car lock could be damaged. Some of these problems are easily solved by changing the key fob batteries while others require an extensive repair to fix mechanical components or the electronic locking system.

Weather Damage

Extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure and dust can be major problems for locks. These environmental conditions can cause corrosion, discoloration and wear over time, which could eventually lead to the lock becoming inoperable. Regular inspections are essential to stop this from happening.

If remote car key repair having difficulty inserting or turning the key in the lock on your door, this could be a sign that the mechanism has become jammed. This is most likely due to grime and dirt accumulation and can be resolved with a few easy DIY methods, such as using a damp q-tip or cotton swab and spraying the lock with graphite or silicone spray.

Another reason your door locks may be jammed is because the pins in the cylinder are not aligned. The issue can be fixed by taking the lock off and re-aligning the cylinder manually with the keyhole on the door. After the cylinder is moved, screws must 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 when turning the key, or if the key was cut incorrectly. If you suspect that this is the issue, use a spare key and check if there are no issues. The best way to repair any issues is to speak with an expert locksmith. They will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the root cause of the issue. They will use specially designed tools to remove any obstruction or misalignment that may be present in the lock mechanism. They will replace the damaged pieces with new parts to restore full functionality. A locksmith can also give recommendations to protect your car lock from further damage. This can include weatherproof covers or shields that can help protect the lock from the harsh elements.