Have you ever tried to unlock your car or start it, but your car key isn’t working? The quickest and easiest solution is to call an automotive locksmith Campbell. A locksmith can diagnose and resolve your issue accordingly. However, if you want to be able to determine and understand what the issue is by yourself, you’ve come to the right place! This article will advise you on what to do if you’re experiencing one of these car key issues, and even if you’re not, it can help prepare you for every possible situation in the future. Sometimes determining what’s wrong with your car key is easy, like if your car key is physically broken, but other times, the reason isn’t so obvious.
Damaged Car Lock
If your car key isn’t working when you try to unlock your car, or if your key opens one lock, but not another, your car lock may be damaged. This can also be the case with remote keys and key fobs, even though they don’t use physical keyways. Primarily two different parts of a car door lock break; the lock cylinder and the lock assembly. To determine what part of the lock is damaged, insert your key into the door lock and try to turn it. If your key turns but does not open the lock, there is likely something wrong with the lock assembly. Whereas if you use a key fob to unlock a car door, there’s a good chance that the problem is with the lock cylinder. Other common causes for door locks issues are:
- Dirt and debris
- Car accidents
- Weather can cause locks to freeze
Solution: Call a Locksmith
If your car locks are damaged, call an automotive locksmith Campbell. An automotive locksmith can repair or replace your damaged car door locks. If you’re looking for a locksmith in Campbell, Real Time Locksmith is happy to help you out!
Damaged Key
When people think of a damaged key, a key that is in pieces usually comes to mind. However, damaged keys aren’t always visibly broken. Often, they become worn down due to constant use. If the grooves of the car key are worn down, it will no longer match the internal mechanisms of the lock or the ignition.
Solution: Car Key Replacement
Contact an automotive locksmith Campbell for car key replacement. Instead of duplicating your car key, which would copy your existing issue onto a new key, an automotive locksmith will cut you a new key using the key code registered to your vehicle. If you have a traditional metal key, getting your car key replaced is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Replacing transponder keys is a more complex process that takes longer because a locksmith will have to program your replacement key to your car.
Faulty Ignition Cylinder
Besides unlocking your car doors, car keys also have the ability to start the car when turned in the ignition. If your car is refusing to start or your immobilizer indicator light has turned on, your ignition may be faulty. It’s common for ignition cylinders to break down due to wear and tear from daily use.
Solution: Get Your Ignition Cylinder Repaired or Replaced
Automotive locksmiths have lots of experience dealing with faulty ignition cylinders. Reach out to an automotive locksmith Campbell. They’ll take a look at your ignition cylinder and let you know whether it can be salvaged and repaired or if it needs to be replaced.
Drained Key Fob Batteries
Have you noticed that your key fob isn’t responding? Do the buttons have to be pressed multiple times for it to work? Or is it only responding within a few feet of your car? If one of these scenarios applies to you, your key fob batteries may be drained. To determine if this is the case, test out a second key fob and compare it to the key fob that you’re currently using.
Solution: Replace Your Key Fob Batteries
Key fob batteries can be found at local big box stores, hardware stores, and automotive shops. To find out which batteries your key fob requires, take a look at your owner’s manual for your car. If you can’t find your physical manual, you might be able to find it online on the manufacturer’s website. Another option is to buy a backup key fob that you can use when your current key fob becomes drained.
Having issues with your car key, but they aren’t listed here? Check out our Part 2 for more common issues and solutions.
