Why Getting Your Key Stuck In The Ignition Isn’t The End Of The World

Why Getting Your Key Stuck In The Ignition Isn’t The End Of The World

Posted by on May 28, 2016 in Locksmith |

Cars are machines. And, as with most machines, they tend to cause more trouble than they are worth, especially if they are not properly maintained; that isn’t to say that proper maintenance will keep all the mishaps away.

Sometimes complications just arise, and there is little you can do about it. Most vehicle owners will attest to the irritation they feel anytime their keys get stuck in the ignition.

This isn’t even that rare a phenomenon and most people are often at a loss. And why wouldn’t they be? Sometimes the key simply refuses to budge, no matter how hard you twist and turn it. In such cases, it is important to proceed with a cool head, even when things seem dire.

Why Getting your Key Stuck in the Ignition Isn’t the End of the World?

The first thing most people do when their keys get stuck in the ignition is to panic, which doesn’t really change anything. The second thing most people do, once the panic fades away, is to call the nearest mechanic.

Where the mechanic proves ineffective, they turn to a locksmith. For the most part, though, these problems are rarely as complex as they might sound. If your key is stuck in the ignition, there are several steps you can take by yourself to remedy the problem, this as opposed to spending money on a mechanic:

1). Position

The first thing you need to do when your key gets stuck is to check the position. Ensure that the key is in the lock position. There are a lot of drivers that turn their key too far, so much so that it becomes impossible to remove, not because it is stuck but, rather, it is in the wrong position.

This is very common in vehicles where the cylinders have aged, making it that much easier to turn the key beyond the required point. If your car is off but you can still play the radio, then you shouldn’t be surprised to find the key stuck.

You should remember that automatic vehicles will not allow you to remove the key from the ignition if the gear is not in the park position. Most people find that their keys are more than willing to slide out of the ignition when they put their cars in park and turn the key to the proper position.

2). The Steering

Steering WheelThe most common solution for a key stuck in the ignition is moving the steering wheel. Gently jiggle the steering wheel back and forth as you try to pull the key out of the ignition.

There are situations where the steering wheel locks in place, this, in turn, causing the ignition switch to lock your key in place. Unlocking the steering system should allow you to safely remove the key from the ignition; though, you shouldn’t pull too hard on the key. Rather, focus your efforts on the steering wheel.

Once the steering unlocks, you should be able to pull the key out.

3).The Battery

Dead Car BatteryThere are a lot of modern cars that will lock the key in place when the battery dies, primarily because the chip in the key cannot be accurately identified by the car’s anti-theft system. If the dashboard fails to light up when the key is in the On position, you will need to partially charge the battery before the key can be pulled from its position.

4). Bobby Pin

Where these basic solutions to remove stuck keys fail to deliver results, you will have to get creative. It is possible to succeed by using a pair of pliers; though, care is required. You cannot jerk the key from one side to another, lest you cause it to break.

A bobby pin might prove to be more effective, but only if you actually know what you are doing.

The Locksmith

If everything fails, this including the use of silicon sprays to get the key free you will have to seek out the services of a professional locksmith. Emergency Locksmiths are the safest option, even safer than you trying to solve the problem yourself.

Because you lack the necessary knowledge, you are likely to cause damage. If you doubt your ability to utilize the approaches above without breaking your key in the ignition, you are better off contacting a Locksmith from the very start.

The right locksmith should be able to successfully remove the key even while telling you why it got stuck in the first place. Be sure to leave the key in lock position while waiting for the locksmith. You do not want to deplete your battery.

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Why Locksmiths Are Your Best Choice For Car Key Replacement

Why Locksmiths Are Your Best Choice For Car Key Replacement

Posted by on May 6, 2016 in Locksmith |

Losing or breaking your car keys is not an impossible scenario. It happens most of the time that you can find this kind of service from different locksmiths. Sometimes, you are preoccupied with a lot of things that you forget where you placed your keys and you can’t find them anywhere. There are also some cases when, throughout the years, the car keys break because it’s already worn out. It can give you a headache and stress you out when this happens to you. The best solution to this problem is to get a replacement car key.
Sources:
www.highlandsranchlocksmith.com
lockpicks.com
homedepot.com

lost keysIf a situation involving your car keys occurs, the last thing that you should do is to panic. Everything can be resolved as long as you are thinking clearly. Now, getting a replacement car key may cost you a lot of money. One of the options you have is to go to a local locksmith. But don’t just hire any locksmith. Do your research first and make sure that they are professional and can do their job really well. Find a locksmith company that offers a replacement key service. But make sure that they are a known and trusted company. They might make a duplicate copy of your keys and use it for their own criminal intent. Don’t worry if it will take your time and effort to find a good locksmith as long as they can provide you with what you need. You will realize later that it will be worth every penny.

As a car owner, you also have to understand that the model and type of vehicle that you are using will affect the price of making a duplicate copy of your key. So you need to know first what type of keys you use to start your car. There are transponder keys, high security keys, or laser-cut keys. Knowing this will make the process easier but if you have no idea, you can let your locksmith check it out. Some replacement car keys are difficult to make, especially with newer models. Compared to the dealership, getting a duplicate copy from a locksmith is far cheaper. A dealership often asks for twice as much for one set of replacement car keys than what you can get from a locksmith. Are you willing to spend that much if you know you can get the same service for a lesser cost?

Automotive locksmithNeeding the services of a locksmith for a replacement car key is not uncommon. The best way to avoid freaking out when you lose or break your key is to plan ahead. Have your keys duplicated even before it happens and keep it somewhere you can access immediately. Or, you can keep a phone number of a locksmith on your phone or wallet just in case you lock your keys in your car or inside your house.

The locksmiths can come to you to have you back in your vehicle in no time. A locksmith can cover anything from broken keys to ignition repair that includes re-coding replacement keys.

Whether you are a resident of or you are new to the area, you need to have the number to the locksmiths in case this happens to you. If you own a newer model vehicle, it already has a pre-built high security motion sensor that is part of the computerized system that enhances the locking provisions that can only be repaired by a professional locksmith. Most of the new cars come with Immobilizer and transponder keys that can thwart any vehicle theft but the only disadvantage of these computer chip key is that you might be locked out or if you lose your car keys, there is no way to get the car back on road except by calling in a locksmith or towing the vehicle to the dealership.

Losing your car key or getting locked out of your car is something that you don’t prepare for. locksmiths are prepared and can come to your rescue with a simple phone call. The locksmith will provide you with a spare immobilizer key coded or they will repair a failed electronic system so you can get going again.

Manufacturers worked hard to eliminate the chances of auto theft. Insurance companies and car manufacturers believe that this new key system is both rewarding and preventive. The security systems are too complex for thieves to enter and this makes them perfect for prevention and maintenance.

Do you have a broken key? Lost or misplaced keys? There is no reason why locksmiths can not help you. Before you call them out, verify that they are insured, bonded as well as licensed too. A professional locksmith only offers services that they are trained at.

Call a professional if you lost your keys, if your keys were stolen, or if your high security business is locked and you can’t get in. Coded computer remotes that open and close the car can sometimes get stick in the ignition and you may not notice it until the door shuts. There is no way that you can open up the door so it is best to call a locksmith. Other than that it is best to have a spare set of car keys – so preempt the possibilities of losing or breaking of the car key and get a spare cut. This will ensure that you are never locked out nor stranded at a busy freeway anywhere.

Services that can be provided by a locksmith include duplication, emergency assistance, and transponder key replacement and security issues.

 

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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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