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

When To Replace Your Locks

You often hear the phrase “time to change the locks!” but do you know what it really means or what is involved? Keep reading and you soon will! Maple Grove Master Locksmith offers affordable lock replacement and lock change solutions so that you can always stay one step ahead of your security and protection needs and wants. Our licensed, bonded and insured Maple Grove, MN technicians can expertly answer any questions you may have as well as give you free, no obligation price quotes on any of our popular lock replacement services and hardware options.

Your Home Locks

Take your house key and look at it. When did you get it and from whom? Just who has a copy of that key right now? On your list might be spouse, children, a couple of past guests, the babysitter, your mother in law and others. Now think back. Who else has had a copy of that same key? This list can include the builder, realtors, property managers, painters, contractors, movers, delivery persons, landscapers, maintenance personnel and lots more. Even if no one copied that key, you can be sure that there are others like it “floating” about in the community.

Don’t you think that a fresh start with new locks and/or keys at home would be a good idea?

Replacing Your Auto Locks

There are many good reasons for replacing your car’s locks. Maybe you bought it used from another party and would like new or better locks for it along with new, unused keys. The previous locks on the door or the trunk might have been damaged by an attempted break-in, vandalism or a prank. The locks themselves may be fine but you are interested in upgrading them to newer, stronger ones. Any locks on the vehicle are open for replacement including the ignition, the doors locks, trunk locks, even the glove compartment locks!

Commercial Lock Replacement

There’s a lot at stake when trying to protect your inventory, staff, and customers. As a business owner or manager, you want the most lock protection for your money. One cost effective and affordable way to achieve that is with the proper use of your commercial locks and keys. Replacing your office or shop locks gives your firm a new start and allows for better and more efficient key control as you now know exactly who has keys and how many. Lock replacement also allows for upgrades to be made to your present lock hardware as well as replacing any break-in or crime damage that might already have been done.

Change or Replacement; what’s the difference?

We hear and use the term “change the locks” so much that it has become interchangeable with “rekey the locks”. There is a real difference so you’ll want to be aware of that. When a lock is actually replaced, the whole lock is removed and a new one put into place. Naturally, new keys are required; after all, it’s a completely different lock!

When a lock is rekeyed, it is ALMOST the same but with one big difference; the lock stays in place and only the interior pins and tumblers are changed. This means that the shell of the lock is the same but since the insides have been altered, a new key is needed. This method is generally more affordable since you aren’t replacing the whole lock. It is suitable for most situations but not when the lock has been damaged from wear and tear or crime. In those cases, you’ll want full lock replacement! It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t upgrade your locks when rekeying. You must do a lock replacement in order to get better quality or more features in your lock. Be sure to call on your favorite licensed, insured and bonded locksmith shop for either of these services or simply contact our Maple Grove Master Locksmith experts and we’ll be happy to assist you with additional information or with the actual service.

When To Replace Your Locks

Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we made a short list of some of the best times to actually replace or rekey your locks. It’s really up to you but here are some of the most often used replacement times:

Old Locks – locks age too, you know! Weather, age and use can take their toll on locks and keys. An old, worn lock is easy to break open with a hammer or crow bar. As affordable as locks are today, it just makes sense to put in new ones.

Keys Lent Out – are you a key lender? If you give key copies to neighbors, kids, friends or babysitters, it may be a good time to have your locks rekeyed or replaced. New locks and keys give you better control over key access and best of all; they give you real peace of mind.

Crime – if your locks were damaged by a break-in attempt, or if they are not of the best quality to begin with, then it’s a good idea to replace them with new hardware that is sturdier and more up to date. Lock bumping is the new rage and this method of bypassing locks leaves no lock damage and no sign of forced entry! Your favorite Maple Grove, MN locksmith shop can help you choose the right bump proof locks for your property.

Lost Keys – lost keys are one of the biggest reasons to have your locks changed or rekeyed. Even if you got them back later, were any copies made? If it’s a key to your backyard shed, it probably doesn’t matter but keys to your home or place of business are another matter!

Upgrade Locks – one of the smartest (and most popular) reasons for changing your locks is to upgrade them. Before you say “my locks are just fine” take a moment to consider the increase in crime lately. Here at Maple Grove Master Locksmith we offer affordably priced high security locks for home, business and auto use. These locks cannot be pried open, picked open or even shot open!

Article source here: When To Replace Your Locks

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

A transponder key, also known as a transponder “chip” key, is an ignition key for your vehicle that makes getting in and out of your vehicle easier than with a conventional key, because you can unlock your car doors without actually putting the key in the lock mechanism; you can open your trunk remotely; you can activate and deactivate your car alarm; and, with some, you can even start your car remotely. The way it works is that the transponder chip inside emits a particular signal to your automobile’s computer, a unique frequency that’s aligned to your car only. As it receives the signal, the mechanical part of the key releases the steering lock, so you can activate the ignition, and get to where you need to go.

Nowadays, a transponder key is standard, and thought by most people to be superior to a traditional key. It makes things much more difficult for car thieves, sending them packing. Even though a transponder key costs more, it’s worth the peace of mind it affords you. Nevertheless, inevitably, sometimes problems can arise with transponder keys.

 

Has your transponder key stopped functioning?

• One common reason your transponder key stops working right is that there’s a manufacturer defect, which has been there since the beginning. If the car’s still under warranty, you can correct the problem for free. If it’s not under warranty, then it may be time to hire an automotive locksmith specialist.
• Another possibility is that there could be a foreign object lodged in the ignition. Instead of trying to get it out yourself, which will in all likelihood cause additional damage to the ignition, it’s better to ask a professional automotive locksmith. An experienced locksmith can usually pull out a foreign object from the ignition without having to replace the entire switch.
• Another typical cause is that your transponder key isn’t communicating properly with the car’s computer. The computer chip has lost its programming somehow. You can get it reprogrammed, or you can get a whole new transponder key with new programming. An automotive locksmith technician, or your dealership, will be able to take care of it.

 

Have you lost your transponder key?

Not being able to find your car key these days is a lot more complicated than it used to be. With a regular key, you could simply have a spare key made cheaply at any local hardware store or locksmith, or back at the dealership. But a transponder key is a different story altogether. If you’ve really lost your transponder key, depending on the automaker, and the intricacy of the key’s design, it is going to be rather expensive to replace your electronic fob. A few car dealerships will program your fob at no cost, but most will charge you a lot.

A switchblade key is a transponder key with a shank, which folds into the fob; you pop it out by pressing a button. A switchblade key has either a laser cut or a basic cut. One advantage to this kind of key is that you can buy its components separately. But if you’ve truly lost your key, you’ll need to get both parts programmed.

For some cars, the transponder key is an all-in-one unit with the fob. Also called a laser-cut key, the shank is slightly thicker, with fewer carved-out grooves. A laser-cut key is also sometimes referred to as a “sidewinder” key, because of the winding cut feature on the shank. Most probably, a laser-cut key’s built-in chip is going to have to be programmed by your dealership.

Then there’s the smart key, which really isn’t a key at all, in the normal sense. It’s just a fob. You either insert it into the dashboard, or you just keep in your pocket or your purse. Whenever you get in the driver’s seat, you start and stop the car simply by pressing a button. A smart key is extraordinarily secure because it has rolling security codes. Perpetually randomizing the correct code, it stops a would-be professional car thief from hacking it with a code grabber. If your smart key is lost for good, the dealership can replace it.

 

What if your transponder key has been stolen?

When you first bought your car, you should have been given a spare copy of your transponder key. If you gave that extra key to a family member, then you can still have an additional copy made, but you’ll need to get it reprogrammed. Remember, because your transponder key is connected to your vehicle only, a potential car thief who has found your key can effortlessly take your automobile.

A mechanical key is no big deal; but when you need to get a transponder key made, replaced, or reprogrammed, you’ll have to either hire an automotive locksmith specialist, or go back to the car dealership. A legitimate locksmith will certainly cost less than the dealership, and will also be glad to advise you about any other automotive security issues.

 

Do it yourself.

If you must reprogram your transponder key, depending upon which make of car you have, you can program it yourself. So, you could be in luck. Look it up your owner’s manual.

The following method will work on many American-made vehicles. However, before you spend your money, first check with your dealership or with a local automotive locksmith expert to see if this procedure applies to yours:

1       Insert 1 of your 2 working keys, and turn the ignition to the “on” position, without starting the car, for at least for 3 seconds.

2       Now, do the same with your 2^nd key.

3       Finally, insert the new 3^rd key, and again turn it to the “on” position for another few seconds. This will successfully program your extra key.

Another thing you could try, which will at least allow access to your car, is that you could order only the basic key ~ without the transmitter. Then you’ll have a key that will do everything else except start the car. This will come in handy if you should ever lock your car keys inside the car.

 

Hire a dependable professional.

If you’re going to need transponder key programming or reprogramming, if you happen to be in Maple Grove, Minnesota, then it’s a good idea to consider hiring a topnotch locksmith company, such as the mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff at Maple Grove Master Locksmith. A reliable professional will be happy to assist you, and often at a lower cost than the dealership will charge you.

Article source here: HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY? HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Maple Grove Master Locksmith: What To Do To Prevent Lockouts

After a busy day, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is the inability to relax at home because they are locked out. It is difficult not to get exhausted with everything on our to-do lists, and so many things to get done. So when you get to your front door, you likely breathe a sigh of relief – until suddenly, you realize that you don’t have your house key! Maybe you left your key in a place that is easy for you to get to (like at the counter of a store you were just visiting), but for most people, this isn’t the case. Their key is often stuck inside of their office building which has already closed for the day. Or, they have no idea where it is, making them fearful for their safety, because now they know that someone that can’t be trusted has their key. What are you supposed to do to prevent this situation from happening? And what should you do if it does happen? The team at Maple Grove Master Locksmith has offered advice that is not just helpful to locals in Maple Grove, MN – it is useful to people everywhere. Have a look at the best ways to prevent lockouts from ever happening in the first place.

1. Have some sort of chant or mantra that you say when you are leaving your house or office every day. Don’t worry, you don’t even have to say it aloud – but repeat something like, “lock the door, grab the key” when you are leaving your property every day. Eventually, it will become second nature to check to make sure you have everything you need. Maybe when you leave the house you always check to make sure you have your wallet on you. Check to make sure your key is there!

1. Have a back-up copy of your key in either a place that you can remember but no one else knows about, or with your neighbor or someone you can trust. Having a duplicate copy will mean that if you ever do get locked out, you won’t stay locked out of the house for long. If you are able to turn to someone you can trust, you will be able to avoid having to call in a professional to get you back in.

1. Invest in a keyless entry system. This is one way to keep yourself from getting locked out, because you won’t be lugging an extra key around. Sure, one key doesn’t sound like much, but when you have one for your storage unit, mailbox, gym, office, etc., it adds up. It can become difficult to keep track of everything. This is where a master key system or keyless entry system would come in handy. With keyless entry, all you have to do is remember some sort of code. You can choose a set of numbers that are easy for you to remember, but nothing that someone else would be able to guess. One of the benefits to keyless entry is that when an incorrect code is entered too many times, many systems will alert authorities for you. This way, you will know if someone has been trying to get into your home or office. You otherwise might not have ever known.

1. Make sure that your car battery is not dead or draining. If you want to prevent a car lockout, one thing to check is your car key’s battery. When the battery dies, the problem is that the vehicle owner will lock the car using the locks on the inside. What could possibly go wrong? Well, a lockout could happen. It’s quite simple. You park the car in your driveway, and then hit lock on the inside of the car. You close the door. Then you walk towards your home’s front door and realize that your house key is locked inside of your vehicle, with your car keys. Oh no. This is something that happens far too often, because people don’t take the time to switch out dead batteries. You will know that your battery is draining when you have to press unlock multiple times to get it to work, or when your panic button fails to work unless you are just about standing on top of your vehicle. What use is this? Notice when your car key’s battery is draining, and have it replaced with a new battery as soon as possible. This is one surefire way to prevent a car lockout from happening.

1. Don’t rest your car keys on the car seat. This is a good way to prevent automotive lockouts from happening. You should have a pattern of keeping your key in your hand if it is not in the ignition cylinder of your vehicle. Make this a habit, especially if you are dealing with a dead car key battery. But as mentioned in the last step, replace dead batteries as quickly as possible.

These are just some ways to prevent car and building lockouts from happening in the first place. But if they ever do happen to you, try to stay calm, get to a safe place, especially if it is dark out, and call a locksmith in your local area, whether that is Maple Grove, Minnesota or anywhere else. Of course, you can first check to make sure that no windows were left unlock, because that might provide you with safe entry. But call a professional, or call a neighbor or friend who has a spare copy of your key. The best thing to do is to stop lockouts from happening in the first place, but if they do ever happen to you, make sure to take a deep breath and call in a professional to avoid property damage. Hopefully you have found these tips to be helpful, and hopefully you will never have to deal with a lockout.

Article source here: Maple Grove Master Locksmith: What To Do To Prevent Lockouts