Keyless entry systems have made locking and unlocking car doors much easier. However, they are not without drawbacks.
The truth is that there are few things more frustrating and embarrassing than having your car doors locked with the key fob inside. If you are wondering how you can gain access to your keyless locking system, then you have come to the right place.
Remain calm and follow the steps we have listed below to find a solution to your problem.
Common Issues with Key Fobs
One of the most common challenges is having your key fob locked inside. For safety reasons, vehicles have an automatic locking feature that ensures that your car is secure, even if you forget to lock the car. However, this also means that it is possible to lock your key fob inside the vehicle. Houston locksmith company is always here to help.
Another common issue is a dead battery. This will render your fob useless and prevent you from having access to your car. Moreover, problems with the keyless system could also leave you stranded. In such cases, the lock button fails to respond, and you may be left unable to open the door.
What to Do When You Realize That You Cannot Gain Access to Your Car
When you first realize that you may not be able to get into your vehicle, it’s important to remain calm. This is a common issue that many car owners face, and it’s not the end of the world. Look around to see what you have around you that can be used to unlock the door. But to unlock car with key fob inside it’s always better to call professionals.
Ways to Unlock Your Car Without the Fob
There are a number of options you can try to gain access to your car once more, and the one you choose will usually depend on the kind of tools you have available and your skill level. Whether your fob isn’t working or has been locked inside the car, you can give these techniques a try.
1. Reel in the Key Fob
Usually, one of the best ways to gain access to your car again is to reel in the fob. To do this, you can wedge a thin, long tool inside to try to grab the key.
A wire coat hanger is great to use to help you open the door. You can use a wedge to hold the door open to help you get inside if the gap isn’t big enough to fit your tool. However, remember that if your fob has been damaged or your locking system is no longer functional, this method will not work.
2. Lock Manipulation
Another way to get into your car is to use something called lock manipulation. The act of adjusting the lock switches and buttons within a car is referred to as “lock manipulation.”
A long-reach tool and wedge tend to work best to unlock a vehicle if the fob is not working. You can use the wedge to create a space that is big enough to fit your long-reach tool through by sliding it between the frame and the door. The inner lock button can subsequently be triggered by the reach tool by pushing or pulling at it.
If this doesn’t work, it may be time to call a professional.
Keep in mind that this method can be used when reeling in the key will not activate the vehicle’s proximity unlocking feature.Â
3. Call a Locksmith
If you find that the methods mentioned above don’t work or your car won’t lock at all even though you have the fob, it’s best to contact a locksmith. These professionals can help you safely access your car without causing any damage to the locking system (or any other part of your car, for that matter).
You’ll likely find advertisement posts online, so use your smartphone to conduct a Google search for locksmiths in your area.
When calling a professional, be sure to check that the company you choose offers car unlocking services, as a traditional home-system specialist may not have the skills or the means to help you with car locks.
Keep in mind that this option does come with an additional cost, and if there has been damage to your locking system, you will likely have to pay more to have it repaired or replaced with new parts. Nevertheless, enlisting the help of a trained professional when your fob is locked inside your car gives you the assurance that the matter will be handled safely.
Tips to Help You Prevent Finding Yourself in This Situation Again
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure, so be sure to check for your key fob every time you leave your car. If you notice that your fob is inside the car, go back and get it immediately. This will prevent the car from automatically locking itself, leaving your fob inside.
Suppose you are forgetful and tend to do this often. In that case, we recommend investing in a second key fob. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can get to it easily if you lock your first fob in your car.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a new bulky or eye-catching keychain, as it will be harder to miss when exiting your car. We also recommend checking whether your car has a built-in reminder system. These vehicles can provide automatic alerts if you leave your fob behind, preventing it from being locked inside.
Finally, to prevent being locked out because of dead batteries, make sure that you are replacing them regularly with new ones to prevent an embarrassing situation.
Final Thoughts
Being locked out of your car is never a fun experience. It can be incredibly stressful and cause delays. However, we hope that you are able to use the techniques mentioned in this article to regain access to your car.
Make sure to try some of the tips we provided to avoid being in this kind of awkward position. However, if you ever find yourself locked out, we highly recommend contacting a local locksmith to assist.
This is a foolproof way to get into your car if you have locked the fob inside without causing any damage.
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