IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS; WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM!

Even kids know what ignition cylinders do; they make the car start! The process is easy; you just insert the ignition key, turn it and BOOM; the engine starts and away you go! As drivers we have experienced this hundreds of times so we’ve come to expect the same results each time. We might be hopping in the car for a nice drive along the beach on a Sunday afternoon. Or, maybe we have errands to run like picking up a birthday cake from the bakery or reporting for work at a new job. Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we know all too well that sometimes ignition cylinders stop working. That’s why we’ve made this post. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful in case your ignition cylinder ever “acts up” on you!

You may be wondering…

Are you wondering why an ignition cylinder problem is being addressed by a locksmith? After all, shouldn’t this be something for a mechanic or car dealer to help with? You can call on them, sure; but you can usually save money, time and stress by simply having a local Maple Grove, MN automotive locksmith come to your aid instead. Doing so eliminates any middle-man mark-up fees, tow charges and needless waits and hassles. Your locksmith will even come to you and work right were your car is located!

What your ignition cylinder does

It can be a little confusing unless you have auto mechanic experience or at least a passing interest in the subject. Basically, your ignition key starts the process by sending power from the vehicle’s battery to the starter. Many other components of your car also receive electrical power including your headlights, radio, GPS system, car seats, power windows, disc player, windshield wipers, air conditioner, heater and other related items. Once in a while though, you turn the ignition key and nothing happens! What do you do now?

Are you in the PARK gear?

No, we are not trying to insult your intelligence, but our Maple Grove, MN lock shop often gets calls from people worried that their ignition system has failed. We get there only to find that they simply weren’t in the right gear. You can’t be in NEUTRAL, DRIVE or REVERSE if you want your vehicle to start. PARK is the only gear that works for this and you can sometimes save yourself a service call by simply checking this first.

Do you have “JUICE?”

This is slang for does your battery still have power? Even if you are in the right gear, without battery power your car is going nowhere. Your ignition system may be fine but you may not know that if you mistake your dead battery for a damaged ignition cylinder. You can check your battery by turning your dashboard lights on. Make sure that they are not on “dim” or you won’t be able to tell! You can also try your car radio, windshield wipers, power windows, and other items run on battery power to check its condition.

That crazy steering wheel!

One of the most common “ignition cylinder failure” calls we get here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith is for steering wheel lockups. This is a safety feature included in most late model cars and the symptoms are often confused with a damaged ignition. These lockups happen when you put a little too much pressure on your steering wheel. You may be steadying yourself as you attempt to get out of the car. Or, maybe you were removing a sweater while parked and you used the steering wheel for balance while do so. A locked steering wheel won’t make your key stick but it WILL not let you start your car, either! The remedy is simple; just move the steering wheel back and forth a couple of times to unlock it. Then, if your engine won’t turn over, you probably have ignition cylinder issues.

Did you use the right key?

It’s no surprise; we lead busy and hurried lives and sometimes we can make mistakes. Who hasn’t accidentally turned down the wrong Maple Grove, MN street and wound up on some freeway in the middle of Minneapolis? The same goes for your ignition key. Often, other keys look similar in size and shape and it is so easy to accidentally insert this wrong key into your ignition switch. Naturally it won’t turn on your car; in fact, you might not be able to remove it at all! Needless to say, if this is your problem, it’s NOT your ignition cylinder! Anytime a key gets stuck in your ignition switch, try wiggling it out gently. Don’t force it; keys break and the last thing you want, is to need key removal service on top of whatever else is wrong!

Do you want some cheap help with your car?

Be careful; taking this option might just cost you more than you think! We are referring to friends and family. They usually mean well, and their efforts to help you are sincere, but remember; they may not be trained, experienced or even knowledgeable in auto ignition problems and allowing them to work on your car might just be an expensive lesson you don’t need right now. So where in Maple Grove, MN do you find the perfect combination of affordability and professional expertise?

Not a mechanic!

Well, ok; maybe a mechanic, but keep in mind that if your car’s ignition doesn’t work, your vehicle will need towing, either to his shop or to your car dealership. Not only is that an added expense, it’s a completely needless one, too. Why not call a trusted automotive locksmith? In Maple Grove, MN there are many shops that offer fast, same day service at affordable prices. Choose your locksmith crew from dozens of licensed, bonded and insured companies that also offer 24-hour emergency service and friendly, professional help for every lock on your car or in your home or business.

Article source here: IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS; WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM!

WHAT TO DO IF YOU RUN INTO TROUBLE WITH LOCKS AND KEYS

We hardly ever think about our locks and keys…until something goes wrong. The truth is, whether residential, automotive, or commercial, keys and locks play a major role in our personal and business lives. If an emergency arises, it’s certainly unnerving, but you don’t have to let it get to you. There are numerous measures you can take to keep yourself secure. You can surely prevent most of the problems with keys and locks that could happen.

Extend the life of your locks. There are things you can do to make your locks last longer:

• If a key won’t turn, don’t worry. Sometimes the pins get jammed up. Spray the lock mechanism with silicone spray or WD-40. This will often solve the problem so you won’t need to call a locksmith.
• General lubrication. If you ever notice any excess friction or grinding in the lock mechanism ~ or at least twice a year ~ apply a silicone-based lubricant spray to the keyhole.
• Replace your keys periodically. Our keys sustain a lot of abuse, because we use them many times a day, keep them who knows where, and toss them around. If you see that your keys are starting to wear down, or if they get damaged, then it’s time to make a new key. Don’t forget to discard your old keys responsibly; a recycle center is ideal.

What about stuck and broken keys? Haste makes waste: If you hurry with your keys, you could find yourself in a bind, because your key might break off in the lock! Take that few extra seconds and be patient with your key. You’ll save yourself plenty of grief.

If you are unfortunate enough to see your key break off inside the lock mechanism, if it occurs before you close the door, then you won’t be able to lock it, which obviously leaves you vulnerable to theft. If the key breaks off in the lock mechanism after you’ve closed the door, you likely won’t be able to open the door again. A broken key can cause damage to the lock itself. What you can do:

• If part of your key is stuck inside the lock, and there’s a tiny bit of it sticking out, you may be able to get it out. If there’s enough of the key showing, you might be able to pull it out with your fingers or with needle-nose pliers. If there’s any damage, then call a locksmith.

• If you don’t see any part of the key sticking out of the lock, it will be risky, because you could easily cause damage. Still, it might be worth a try. Find a flathead screwdriver ~ one that’s small enough to fit inside the keyhole. Pry the key inside, just slightly to the point where it comes out of the lock. If you do it just right, you should be able to remove it with needle-nose pliers or your finger.

Take Extra Security Measures

If you are concerned about circumstances at your place of residence or at your commercial building, there are many ways to give yourself more peace of mind.

Professional locksmiths recommend deadbolts. Be sure they are properly installed. A deadbolt should have at least a 1” throw. On the strike side, there must be a security plate with screws at least 3” long, going all the way into the wooden frame of the door. Do you have a window on or near your door? A thumbturn deadbolt isn’t won’t do you very much good, because a thief can break the glass, reach a hand in, and turn. To prevent this, install a double-cylinder deadbolt lock, which requires an inside key.

Know when it’s time to change the locks.

• Lost keys. If you are sure you have truly lost your keys, change your locks as soon as possible, since you surely do not want to risk the possibility of a stranger gaining access to your property.
• A new home. If you have just moved into a new place of residence, immediately change out your locks. You never know which former residents may still be in possession of an old key.
• New tenants or roommates. The same rules that apply to your home apply to rental properties. If you rent out any space in your apartment or home, replace locks every time you change occupants. Even if the former residents returned their keys, you cannot be totally sure that there aren’t some extra duplicates out there.
• After a break-in. If there’s been a burglary, you should replace all exterior locks right away. After that, replace any interior locks in order of your personal security preferences.

There are more ways to feel safe and secure:

• keyless remote entries

• magnetic locks
• safes for business and home
• keypad systems
• use only reputable high-quality brands, at least grade 2
• combination locks
• hire only a local expert locksmith who is licensed, background-checked, bonded, insured, and certified
• alarm systems

Preventive maintenance will help you avoid most lockouts. Do your part to keep your locks well maintained, and you may not ever have to hire a locksmith. Watch out for:

• difficulties putting the key in the lock mechanism
• wear and tear
• rust
• trouble turning the key in the lock mechanism

If you do come across any of these issues, your best bet is to change the locks, because worn-out locks will more easily get stuck or break, meaning you will get locked out. Old-fashioned or faulty locks also make you more susceptible to burglary.

When It’s Time to Hire a Locksmith

Sometimes you truly will have to call a locksmith professional. If your property is anywhere in Maple Grove, Minnesota, then consider hiring a dependable company such as Maple Grove Master Locksmith, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, always ready to get you out of trouble.

Article source here: WHAT TO DO IF YOU RUN INTO TROUBLE WITH LOCKS AND KEYS

Maple Grove Master Locksmith: Symptoms of Car Ignition Issues

Your car’s ignition is as much a security mechanism as it is a way of powering on the vehicle. Gone are the days when thieves could easily hotwire cars by dismantling the ignition cylinder: newer makes and models have special code systems that make it near impossible to start a vehicle without the right code from the key fob as well as the right alignment between a key and the cylinder’s pins.

As you’re about to see, ignition issues tend to come in different variations, and may be a bit tricky to diagnose. Here are some common signs to look out for before contacting an automotive locksmith.

1. You experience issues when trying to start the car.

This tends to be the most common sign of ignition cylinder damage. It’s usually the result of gradual wear and tear of the ignition’s inner components – an inevitable reality for all car owners that needs to be addressed immediately. Worn out components will prevent the key from responding to certain positions, eventually making it impossible to power on the vehicle altogether. That being said, this issue could also be the result of a key that needs reprogramming. It’s always best to talk to an automotive locksmith in your area and get them to inspect the damage and clarify the source of your troubles. Remember: The sooner you get things sorted out, the less likely you will get locked out of your vehicle.

1. Your car won’t start at all

This is one of those symptoms that can indicate different types of damage. In this case, you could just as easily be dealing with a flat battery or a faulty sensor as you could be facing an ignition cylinder problem. When the problem lies with the cylinder, it will need to be replaced. Tell your locksmith your suspicions so they can come and inspect things for you: if it is an ignition cylinder fault, they’ll be able to deal with it promptly.

1. Ignition cylinder turns, the engine cranks but the car won’t start

Again, this may be an ignition problem, but it’s more common for other issues. A malfunctioning theft protection mechanism will be the most likely culprit in this scenario. Check your anti-theft devices: if you see a light flashing, you’ll need to get the key reprogrammed as it is no longer being recognized by your vehicle. A glitch in the cylinder switch can cause this problem too, or you could be facing a fuel system problem. Definitely ask a locksmith for help in this case, as the diagnosis will likely be difficult to make without technical knowledge and training.

1. The car starts but the engine fails while you’re driving

This is another issue that may arise because of a worn out ignition switch. Over time, the electrical contacts inside your ignition cylinder are likely to become corroded, making it easier for the car to lose its voltage and unexpectedly come to halt. There are some cases when the low contact may cause the engine to misfire or stumble.

Wear and tear is unavoidable, but there are ways to slow down the process. One thing to remember is that the more stress your ignition cylinder is under, the quicker it will wear out – for that reason, avoid carrying your car keys on a bulky keyring with multiple fobs and pendants.

1. Inserting and removing the key becomes more difficult

Worn cylinders can bind the key into awkward positions, making it difficult to both insert and remove them. Over time, this will cause electrical interference that will render it impossible to power on the vehicle. Not only that, but a worn out cylinder will also mean that your key will no longer fit inside. If your key is stuck after you’ve powered off the engine, try moving the steering wheel from side to side: you won’t be able to remove your key if your wheel is still in lock position.

Sometimes, the only way to get a key out of a worn out cylinder is through an extraction – locksmiths are trained to do this in a way that doesn’t break the components inside. On that note, if your key is jammed, avoid trying to pull it out briskly: that will just cause it to break inside the cylinder, and you’ll be left with more damage than you bargained for.

Finding the right auto locksmith for your ignition cylinder troubles

Need an ignition cylinder replacement? Is your key completely stuck in the ignition? These are just some of the different situations a qualified locksmith in your area will be able to help you out. While some locksmiths may choose to focus on a specialist area, many professionals out there offer a fully-inclusive set of automotive, residential and commercial lock and key solutions. They will save you the hassle of getting new keys and security components from your local dealership, and will keep things timely and cost efficient so that you don’t need to resort to taking your vehicle into an expensive garage.

Maple Grove Master Locksmith will be able to help all car owners in Maple Grove, MN with their ignition cylinder issues and other aspects of their automotive security. Likewise, your local lock and key services provider should be able to do the same for you. Our licensed and insured team members offer free consultations and price quotes for additional peace of mind – as do many businesses in our industry.

If you’ve never had to hire an automotive locksmith professional before, here are a few quick tips to simply the research:

• Always go for a locally-based business. Companies from elsewhere will sometimes charge extra for mileage.

• Find a locksmith before you actually need one. Ask for referrals, do a bit of background checking and get a price quote from a couple of licensed and insured professionals to get the best value for money.
• Make sure to ask about rates for after-hours services as these often incur additional costs.
• If the company you are considering hiring doesn’t have a physically verifiable address, and refuses to provide you with information about license, insurance and local client references, they are not to be trusted.
• To be on the safe side, check if any complaints have been filed against the business through the Better Business Bureau and see if you can find any online reviews too.

We hope this blog post has demystified some of the issues you may encounter with your car’s ignition cylinder. If in doubt, make sure to discuss some options with a locksmith in your area.

Article source here: Maple Grove Master Locksmith: Symptoms of Car Ignition Issues

Knowing When to Change Your Locks

If you are a homeowner, you might want to handle your own home maintenance. This is to be commendable. As a professional locksmith service at Maple Grove Locksmith in Maple Grove, MN, we know how important it is to change your locks annually. Changing your locks should be a priority of anyone with a family. Even if you don’t have a family to protect, you likely want to protect yourself and anything that is of value to you. In addition to protecting the things that matter most to you, here are some other reasons that you might want to change your locks.

• Stolen Keys

 

If you lose of have your keys stolen, this is definitely when you should consider having your locks changed. Even after somebody has found your keys, it is still in your best interest to have your locks changed. This is because they could have been copied without your knowledge.

• Moving

Anytime you are moving into a new home or apartment, have the locks changed. Even if this is the responsibility of management or the homeowner, take it upon yourself to change the locks. They may not always do what they are supposed to do, so you should.

• When Keys Have Been Left With Someone

Leaving your keys with a service provider or with a neighbor to allow a service professional inside your home means that once they have completed their job, the locks are changed. You only need to do this when the service professionals have your keys and are given free-range of your property.

If you have given your keys to a neighbor to allow a service provider inside, you don’t know whether or not the keys were ever out of the sight of the person you left them with. Someone else may have picked them up, had another one made and returned without your neighbor ever knowing it.

• After a Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, have your locks changed. Some people think that just because they ended the relationship on good terms, that they don’t need to bother with changing locks. This prevents them from simply coming in whenever they feel like it and taking things that they are not supposed to have. Besides, you never know when their good nature could take a turn for the worse. Play it safe and have the locks changed as a precaution.

• Roommate Moving Out

When a roommate moves out you should have your locks changed. The roommate may have given someone the house key at some point without your knowing it. They may have even had a key duplicated and given to someone that you are unaware of. Again, even though you parted ways on good terms, you still can’t be too careful when it comes to your safety and protection. Just because you trust them doesn’t mean you can trust everyone that they know. You can eliminate the possibility of anyone that you do not know entering your home without your permission by simply having your locks changed.

• Worn Out Locks

If you are not paying much attention to your locks, perhaps you should. If you want to make sure your able to get in and out of your home when you want to, make sure worn out locks are changed. Old locks can become worn over time and with continuous use. You can’t always look at a lock to determine if it is worn out. You can tell if you are trying to place a key in the lock and it won’t go in or if it goes in but won’t turn. In this case, you’ll need to depend on a reliable and reputable local locksmith to get the help that you need.

• An Attempted Break-in

We don’t think we have to tell anyone who has experienced an attempted break-in to call a locksmith but we do. If you ever notice that your lock has been tampered with, don’t just wait until someone gets inside to get the help that you need. Some things to look out for are marks around the keyhole or your door may open oddly. This is when it might be a good idea to contact a locksmith to replace your locks.

• Old Locks

After a while locks just become old and worn. This is when you should have the locks replaced. Over time and due to continued use, the lock will become worn and will not be as reliable as it used to be. Some locks, over time, do not offer the level of durability that you would need. If your lock is not as sturdy as it used to be, you are just making it easier for an intruder to get inside. They already know how to break-in so don’t make it easy for them to do so by keeping old and outdated locks on your door. This is why we recommend having your locks replaced every few years.

• Locks Hard to Compromise

Enough is enough! If you have experienced the problem of someone attempting to break into your home, it is time to invest in a more reliable and effective form of protection. Change your standard locks to an electronic lock. These types of locks are rarely compromised because of the way they are constructed. Locksmiths know how and where these types of locks are most useful.

Even if none of the above appeals to you, just go with your instinct. Protect yourself and your loved ones by evaluating every lock in your home (windows and doors) and changing any that do not look sturdy and durable. You can avoid being burglarized by taking some small and simple yet significant steps today. Don’t wait until something happens that could be avoided. Make it a priority to get the level of security that you need for your home today by changing out the locks that need to be changed. You’ll be able to gain peace-of-mind in knowing that every inch of your home is safe and secure.

Article source here: Knowing When to Change Your Locks