Is It Common To Get Your Key Stuck In The Ignition

Is It Common To Get Your Key Stuck In The Ignition

Posted by on Apr 29, 2016 in Locksmith |

There are many frustrating ways to find yourself locked out. At the top of the list is a common complaint for many drivers: their vehicle key becomes stuck in the ignition. Any issue with your vehicle can mean hours lost on a busy workday, missed appointments and deadlines, and unnecessary exposure to inclement weather.

The first instinct of most people who experience problems with their ignition keys is to call a locksmith. But there are a few steps that can be taken on your own to help you troubleshoot, and even solve issues that may arise with your ignition key. Thanks to the guys at www.losangeleslocksmithpros.com, here are some valuable information on the subject.

What Causes Ignition Key Problems

There are actually several possible causes of issues with a vehicle’s ignition key. These can include:
– Loose wires somewhere inside the ignition mechanism
– A lock cylinder that has become jammed
– A shift interlock that has become out of order
– An issue with the cable in the steering column

What to Do If Your Ignition Key Gets Stuck

car ignitionThe most important thing anyone can do when an issue with the ignition has been discovered is not to panic. Panic can make a situation much worse than it actually is.

For a key that is stuck in the ignition, the first thing you might wish to try is to turn the steering wheel to the left, and then to the right. Then, try removing the key. If you were successful, then your problem has been resolved, and you can store this solution away in the event that it happens again.

If turning the steering wheel did not work, this could indicate damage to the wheel locking system. If this is the case, usually turning the steering wheel in a direction that’s opposite of the wheel position will help. This is because many times, the key can become stuck in the ignition when the car has been turned off with the wheels turned. Pressure builds in the steering column, causing the key to become stuck. However, once that pressure has been released, you will usually hear a click and be able to release the key.

ignition switch3If you find that your ignition key is stuck and you are not able to lock your vehicle, this may require more immediate attention. When this happens, it can commonly be attributed to the mechanism of the shifter. Issues with the shifter can also mean an out-of-order shift interlock, which may cause the airbags in your vehicle to deploy unexpectedly and cause you serious injury.

Some say that using lubricant spray can help your ignition key from becoming stuck. This can be sprayed on the car key itself. Another potential solution is white graphite powder, which can be used on the key as well. This will repel any dirt and debris from getting on the key, and ultimately into your ignition mechanism.

Although this may not go for everyone, it’s important to only use your ignition key in the ignition of your vehicle. Avoid using your key to open cans, as a screwdriver or as some other tool. This can damage the teeth on the key, causing future sticking problems.

Whatever you do, do not force-turn the key while it is in the ignition. Keys are made with soft metal, which means if you use tools to force the key to turn, the key can easily break off in the ignition-a much more complex and expensive problem than you originally started with. You can usually fix the problem in a few minutes of less by completing a few simple steps.

Problem: Your steering column lock may be applying pressure to the ignition mechanism, prohibiting it from turning.

Solution: First, you will need to try to find a position where your key is able to turn in the ignition. Apply pressure to the key, as if you were going to start you vehicle, and gently turn the wheel from left to right until the key is able to turn.

Problem: The car is in the wrong position.

Solution: Many vehicles will not let you start the engine if the car is not in “park” or “neutral.” Check to make sure your car is in park, then try to turn the ignition.

Problem: The lock cylinder is dirty.

Solution: Dirt and grime can prohibit your lock cylinder from functioning properly. Use electrical contact cleaner to remove the dirt from the mechanism. Then add a small drop of graphite lubricant. Do not use oil on the lock cylinder. Dust and dirt are attracted to oil. As the cylinders get dirtier, the tumblers will be prevented from moving, which means they will have trouble unlocking. Acceptable lubricants include graphite and silicone. Be sure to leave your car door open when cleaning the cylinder, as the fumes from the cleaner can be hazardous.

Problem: The tumbler is locked.

Solution: Tumblers (included on some lock cylinders) can get stuck in a locked position. Try tapping the lock cylinder with a tack hammer, which can cause the springs in the tumbler to release it from the locked position.

Problem: Your key is bent.

Solution: While this is not the most common problem, your key can become bent, which will prevent it from fitting correctly in the ignition, and turning. Your key may not be visibly crooked, so lay it on a flat surface to see if the key is bent. If your key is bent, use a wooden block (or similar tool) to gently tap it back into its original shape (while it is laying on a flat surface). Again, do not use a metal hammer or similar object to bend your key, as keys are made with soft metal and can break easily.

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Are Car Keys Easy To Replace?

Are Car Keys Easy To Replace?

Posted by on Apr 28, 2016 in Locksmith |

Sometimes, it is inevitable to lose things which may look little but are actually important in our everyday lives such as keys. It is very easy to lose your car keys. You can be a responsible person and still manage to lose your own car key. It is very frustrating and nerve wracking experience. Fortunately there are few steps and reminders to be able to retrieve your car key.

First of all do not panic, panicking triggers the mind to be confused and you may find it hard to concentrate. Trying to remember the last place you saw your keys might do the trick. If you will not remember where the keys are you will have to find a professional auto locksmith company.
Resources:
www.seattlelocksmithpros.net
Pennfoster.edu
homedepot.com

There are a lot of automobile locksmith who specializes in replacement car keys locally. The best way to find them is to go to google.com and just type automobile locksmith in combination with your local town where you live. Years ago locksmith had it easy, keys were cut out right there on the spot. Nowadays, some cars contain an encoded computer chip which makes your car key unique. Locksmiths nowadays are equipped with special hardware and software that will reprogram a replacement key to imitate that of the original key so that it will work. They are knowledgeable about the designs of most, if not all types and brands of vehicles and they simply cut the pattern on a replacement key and input a reprograms computer chip so that your car will think that the replacement key is original. It is important to choose a company with a lot of reviews to make sure they are professionals and know what they are doing customer service wise.

A replacement key can cost between 100-400 dollars and so there are monetary consequences to think about.

Another avenue you can take is to contact your car dealer. This is not the best option it can get pricey and cause inconvenience. This is because car dealers will make you tow the car to their place of business. Once the dealer receives your car, they require for you to prove your ownership over the car and you have to present documents to the car dealer. Finally it might take couple of weeks to receive your key, and sometime couple more days to reprogram it.

save moneyNormally, automobile locksmiths charge much cheaper than car dealers. Locksmiths are experts when it comes to car key replacements. They deal with those problems all day long and usually very good at key replacing services. However, couple of precautions when choosing a locksmith service. Automobile locksmiths should be equipped with training and skills and they must be well trained about automobile security. With the aid of security decoding machinery, automobile locksmiths are able to give assistance to car owners who are in trouble for losing car keys. A Car Key Locksmith not only helps with lost or stolen car keys, but can also take care of broken car keys, faulty locks, transponder key problems and lockouts.

If automotive security is your primary concern, then you understand the importance of promptly replacing the lost or worn out remotes. Electronic car locks play a major role in preventing car thefts and that is the reason why more and more people are choosing to protect their vehicles with that.

However, if you have lost your keys or they have been damaged somehow, then, here are the three replacements offered in the market, which you can pick out from-

* Car Keys
* Transponder Keys
* Keyless Entry Remotes.

This does make everything very convenient, doesn’t it? You can use your car and its keys, without any tension or worry now. For you have easy and anytime access to replacing your keys, in case of wear and tear, loss or theft. Apart from replacing keys or the remote, some of these service centers offer Transponder key programming, duplication and programming of spare keys along with remote programming.

Owning a car is not an easy job. The vehicle demands maintenance, and along with that, each and every little thing associated with the four wheeled drive. Your car keys and car remotes also fall in the same category- even they need to be taken care of. In case they have been damaged, it’s imperative, that you get new ones, at the earliest.

Automotive Locksmith 1Locksmiths fix broken locks by taking apart the lock and checking for malfunctioning pieces which may be old or damaged. By fine-tuning a lock’s interior mechanisms or replacing its bad parts,local locksmiths will have any lock, security, or alarm optimally working in a very short time. Sometimes, the locksmith may have to make custom repairs to certain items which require such work to be done at the shop using grinders, drills and similar power tools. After being repaired by a specialist, the item will be thoroughly checked to make sure it is operating properly and promptly returned to the customer. To find out how our exceptionally well trained locksmith technicians can help you, call the number above and one of our representatives will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

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