ignition switches Archives

Who Can I Call For Key Replacement?

Posted by Bryan Thomas on Feb 3, 2016

Replacing keys does not have to be a nightmare job that it currently is for many people. it should be part of an ordinary process arising due to human error or a precaution against the eventuality of losing a key. Anyone is allowed to replace keys and the most commonly replaced ones are car keys and door lock keys. You are therefore not alone. Having said that, keys come in unique shapes and they all have unique features that make them specific to particular locks. Therefore, you cannot just order a key replacement; you need to know who to call for your particular case.
Resources:
www.evkeys.net
Wikipedia
comsumerreports.org

Who can I call for key replacement?

1. A locksmith who provide key duplicates

Here, the key replacement is meant to prevent emergencies in future. You are interested in having an alternative in case you forget or lose your current keys. When you are calling for replacement, you will have to provide your present key for it to be duplicated by the locksmith. Duplication will cover keys that are in electronic format and use special codes to open. It will also cover ordinary keys that rely on a unique engraving on their longitudinal side.

2. A professional service with the capability of making duplicates from unique lock and key numbers

Padlocks will come with unique key numbers that are specific to the keys that open them. The vendors of these padlocks and locksmiths have the ability to identify replacements that may be used on the padlocks. However, the padlocks must be of the category that supports the use of specific numbers as unique identifiers for their keys. Therefore, when you have such as padlock and have lost your keys or just need replacements, you can simply provide the number to a professional key replacement service and you will be able to get a proper functioning replacement key.

3. Lock repair technician

Sometimes you leave your keys in the house or inside your car. To get them back, you have to find replacement keys or tamper with your lock to have it open so that you can fetch keys. Upon fetching keys, you realize that they no longer fit well to the lock. This can happen for various reasons including the physical tampering or use of overriding codes in the case of electronic keys. Thus, you will need recalibration of the lock so that it can work well again. Often, you will also need replacement keys that fit the repaired lock because it will be operating as new. Be prepared for the eventuality that your original keys fail to work on a tampered lock and when it happens, call your lock repair technician.

4. General key replacement service provider

For security reasons, key replacement services will be skeptical is you are not the lock owner. They would not want to facilitate unauthorized entry into houses or cars. As part of their ethical conduct for doing their business, they will request that you provide additional verification information when presenting your case of key replacement. Thus, it is helpful for owners to be the ones that make the call for key replacement. The service should be faster because the owner will have the necessary information needed by the locksmith. In some cases, a family member with express orders from the key owner might make the call and will need proper identification to show that the relation of the caller and they key owner is trustworthy. In cases where there specific combination codes or input codes involved with keys, only the person knowing these combinations should make the call. Key replacement service providers list their details on the internet and you can find your local vendor easily from a location specific search.

There are other numerous scenarios for seeking a key replacement. Irrespective of the time of need, the examples offered are the most common solutions to refer to when you need a key replacement. The good news is that there is assistance for you when you know what to bring forth when seeking a replacement. Besides, calling is the best action you can take to find out whether your situation is covered and what it is going to take to have your replacement keys availed to you. Always offer accurate and practical information when you call because that will lead to faster outcomes for your key replacement.

Common Problems With Car Ignitions

Posted by Bryan Thomas on Dec 8, 2015

The ignition of an automobile is something that is often overlooked in routine maintenance schedules. However, the ignition is obviously an integral aspect of running your car-without it, you aren’t going anywhere. If you are experiencing difficulties with your car ignition (the most common being that it will not turn), there could be several causes to the problem. Whatever you do, do not force-turn the key while it is in the ignition. Keys are made of soft metal, which means if you use tools to force the key to turning, the key can easily break off in the ignition-a much more complex and expensive problem than you originally started with. Thanks to our friends at Columbus Locksmith Pros, here is a list of common problems with car ignitions:

Faulty Ignition Switch: If you find the ignition system isn’t being triggered, and the engine is unable to start, the primary cause of this is likely to be related to the ignition switch. The best solution to this condition is having the ignition switch replaced entirely.

You should also ensure that your car is parked in the right way. 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.

Dead Battery: A common reason for issues with the ignition system relates to the failure or malfunction of the main vehicle battery. It is found that the battery might experience problems as a result of the failure of the alternator that causes the ignition system to fail. By repairing the alternator and having the car battery recharged the problem is likely to be resolved with the ignition system.

Locked switch problem: Your steering column lock may be applying pressure to the ignition mechanism, prohibiting it from turning. To diagnose this issue, 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 your vehicle, and gently turn the steering wheel from left to right until the key is able to turn.

The lock cylinder is dirty: 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.

Blockage in the tumbler: 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.

A bent key: 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 tap it gently back into the 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 of soft metal and can break easily.

Worn spark plugs: A further issue that is often found to cause problems with the smooth operation of the ignition is the spark plugs that might be starting to wear out. They can’t be repaired, so it is just a case of having them replaced with entirely new parts.

All in all, if you really want to ensure the smooth operation of your vehicle, you should ensure that it is given regular vehicle service. In situations where ignition problems are detected, it is highly beneficial if the necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible. By keeping your car under constant maintenance is the only way you can avoid abrupt failure of the engine.

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