Posted by Bryan Thomas on Feb 3, 2016
It used to be that getting a key made was just a matter of a trip to the hardware store, and that was it. Hand the clerk your key, he makes a duplicate, gives it back to you, and you are on your way home, the owner of a new key. Unfortunately, unless you are a cave dweller, locks and keys are a lot more sophisticated today. Naturally, all of this technology can come at a very steep price.
Many new cars today have what are called a proximity key, which allows an owner to unlock their car door by simply having the correct key close. Further, they can start the ignition by having a key close, then pushing a Start button on the dash. Needless to say, these systems aren’t cheap to replace a key for, but even the less sophisticated keys aren’t cheap. Big thanks to the guys at Ahwatukee Locksmith for all the useful information.
Transponder Systems
To prevent automobile theft, many cars today have transponder systems that prevent them from starting without the key that is programmed to match it. These systems also include a fob with buttons that lock or unlock the doors.
If you happen to lose the key and the fob you can take it to your car’s dealer for a replacement and reprogramming, but it will cost you about $200, depending on the make of the car as well as the key’s design. Some dealers will charge you up to $375 for this service while others will charge up to $500, depending on the model.
If you want to save money and you can afford to wait, you might be able to buy a replacement key over the Internet. A Honda dealer, for example, might charge you up to $200 to replace the key to a 2005 Accord. Websites such as keylessride.com, a source for all kinds of key replacements at discount prices, will usually charge you considerably less. The same key for the above mentioned Accord sells on keylessride for $54. If you decide to opt for an off-brand, a key will cost you about $45. If you want a locksmith to cut another key and program it, the cost will be an additional $80, bringing the total to $134.
Going it Alone
Depending on the make a model of your car, you can do it yourself and save more money. The first thing to do in these instances is to buy a fob from one of many sources, checking the instructions in the owner’s manual for your car, then program the fob to match. If you need more information or another view on the instructions, these can usually be found online. You can search online by entering your car’s model name and “key programming.”
Another problem that often presents itself is when the buttons of your fob stop working, but you can still start the car with the key. It’s at this point that the fob’s battery usually needs to be changed. These types of batteries can usually be purchased at minimal expense at drugstores, convenience stores, and retailers such as Radio Shack for less than $10. There is usually a tiny screw in what amounts to a door on the fob that you can open and replace the battery. If not, you might be able to pry the door open with a coin or a small screwdriver to replace the battery.
If after you have replaced the electronics of the fob it still doesn’t work, you might have to replace the electronics completely. Most dealers will do this for around $100 or slightly less, depending on the model of your car. This is another task that you can usually accomplish yourself and have it cost you minimal money.
Call a Locksmith
Let’s face it. Some people are simply not inclined to make their repairs. This does not mean, however, that they can’t save money. It’s for these people that a locksmith is usually the best idea for replacing a key. Calling a locksmith won’t, admittedly, cost you less than doing the work yourself, but if you want to save both time and money, a locksmith will probably be your best bet. You should also consider that the cost of a locksmith will usually be significantly less than a dealer, even if he does charge you more for a service call.
Obviously, a locksmith knows what he’s doing, and since more cars are coming equipped with programmable keys and fobs, most locksmiths have been trained to work with them. It’s also important to note that if a locksmith has to come to your home or office to make a key, they usually have a miniature version of their shop in their truck or van and can make your key while you wait. This is another significant cost savings. Not only will locksmiths cost you less because they are in that business and nothing else, but locksmiths are usually the best deal when time is of the essence. There is also less chance of damage to your car since the car does not need to be towed to a dealership for the work to be done. The locksmith will usually come to wherever the car is located to get the job done. Another benefit of a locksmith is that they are normally available 24/7.
Better Safe Than Sorry
There’s no avoiding the fact that the keys used on modern cars are expensive to replace. Just as is the case with many other things in life, the best defense against lost keys is to get a spare key made when you have the time to do it. It’s when you don’t have a key or the time to deal with it that it’s called an emergency and it will cost you a premium to get the problem resolved.
Finally, if you are one of those kinds of people who like to tempt fate by having only one set of keys, consider this: if you lose your keys, and you need to get your car towed to a dealership for service, it can cost you more than $1,000 to replace the locks on your car. The choice is yours to make.
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Posted by Bryan Thomas on Feb 2, 2016
It’s common to have cars with ignition keys that fail to turn. The experience is usually very frustrating and time-consuming, and it can delay you in going where you want. Car ignition problems are often brought about by the model of your car or the situation that you are in. If your car’s ignition doesn’t turn on, here are tips on how to fix it:
Resources:
rentonlocksmith.net
wikipedia
The first thing that you should do is to check the brake light for parking and ensure that it’s on. This is to make sure that you don’t roll away while you are trying to turn on the ignition key. After making sure that the light is on, you should apply some pressure directly on the key and turn the steering wheel of the car back and forth in order to find a free spot to easily turn the key.
Check the selector: Many automatic cars will mostly prevent you from igniting with the car key if the gear selector is not in the park or neutral position; therefore, you should ensure that the gear selector is in the right position.
Lubricate the lock cylinder: If the gear selector is in ideal position and you have tried to turn on the key and it can’t, you should now clean and also lubricate the lock cylinder. Here you need to spray small units of electrical contact cleaner in order to flush away all the dirt and grime that might actually be in the cylinder. This should be followed directly by a quick spray of silicone or a drop of graphite. Normally, when applying, you should be very careful and also avoid dripping the lubricant on upholstery or carpet.
You should prevent accumulation of fumes in the car by keeping your car open. To avoid fire, you should avoid sparks and open flames near the car lock cylinder.
Turn the key on: Once you have lubricated enough, you should try putting the key on again. If the key refuses to turn, the problem may as well be in the tumbler; the tumbler might generally have been stuck in a bad locked position. To solve the problem, you should firmly tap the face of the lock cylinder using a tool like tack hammer. You should tap for like one minute.
If you do this and the key refuses to turn, you should now check the key for any problems. Here you should place the key on a very flat and solid surface then check if it lays flat or is arched up. If it looks crooked, you should strike it using a block of wood or a similar hard object. You should avoid using a hammer, steel, or a hard metal object as you can damage the grooves of the key. If the key is now flat and it still can’t turn, you should tap it using a hammer while it’s still in the ignition.
Seek help from auto locksmiths: If you have tried all this and key fails to turn, you should seek the services of a reputable locksmith. These are the moments when locksmith companies come in handy. Their 24×7 customer service makes sure that the customers in distress are just a phone call away, and upon summoned the technicians of the said companies to get to the customers with specialized tools with the help of which they solve the ignition problem with little or no effort. The technicians of car locksmith companies in Austin are experienced and competent enough to take care of any situation and resolve them at the earliest.
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Posted by Bryan Thomas on Feb 2, 2016
Losing or having a malfunctioning car key can be an incredibly stressful experience. You literally feel immobilized even as you have an important trip to make. Like the best things in life, you realize its worth only when it’s gone. But what could you possibly do to get your car keys back once you have lost it?
Remember, a lost car key is not just an inconvenience but also a security threat. Someone else might be in possession of your car key and might leave you without your car if you do not take adequate steps to have your car key replaced. But how does some one get his or her car key replaced after having misplaced the same? Read on to find out that losing your car key should not necessarily leave you stressed. Armed with the right information, you will learn that replacing your car keys is a breeze.
Choosing a locksmith to replace your car keys
The first step should be find out whether you have any car insurance coverage for the lost key. Typically, a car insurance does not provide for lost keys and the individual will have to pay out of his or her pocket. If, like most Americans, you car insurance does not provide for lost keys, then you have to determine if you want to have your key replaced by a dealership or an auto locksmith.
Remember, having your car keys replaced from a dealership is an expensive proposition. It is not uncommon to be charged $200 for the whole exercise which includes cutting your car key as well as programming it. If your car is newer or a luxury model then expect this bill to shoot up to as high as $500. If this sounds too high a price to you, as it does to us, then there is a cheaper and equally effective option. Buy them from a reputed local auto locksmith.
Choosing a local locksmith to replace your car key is an economical and safe option when it comes to replacing your car keys. The local locksmith would do the exact same thing as the dealership when it comes to replacing the car keys except charging significantly less.
Resources:
www.sunlakeslocksmith.com
Angieslist.com
www.locksmiths-search.com
How to choose the right locksmith?
As mentioned above, being locked out of your car is not only not fun, but also a huge safety risk. It makes sense, therefore, that you do your proper homework and diligence check before hiring a locksmith. For example, an auto locksmith would require your vehicle’s make, its vehicle identification number, and the model in order to program the chip in the replacement key. However, this is sensitive information and handing out such details to unscrupulous operators might risk the safety of your car itself.
In particular, you should check for the following when choosing your locksmith.
1) Licenses and industry accreditation: One of the first thing you should make sure is that your locksmith has all the right and current licenses to ply his or her trade. Making sure that your locksmith has all the necessary certification and licenses in place means that you insure yourself against fly by night and unscrupulous operators who are only in it to make a quick buck.
2) Look for experience: Besides all the licenses and certification, you would want your locksmith to have adequate industry experience. Ask them about their experience in the industry so that you get an exemplary standard of service and care.
3) Check their reviews: Websites such as Angies List and other review websites should provide you a good clue about the quality of service provided by a locksmith. Ask their previous customers about their experience with a particular locksmith so that you know what you would be getting for your money.
4) Availability: It is often the case that you lose your car keys at the worst possible time when there is no help available on hand. This is where a locksmith who can make himself available at a short notice is so immensely valuable. Choose a locksmith who is both reliable and ready to provide help at all hours.
5) Fair pricing: Let us face it. A lot of us who have lost our car keys find ourselves in a desperate situation with a diminished power of negotiation. A lot of locksmiths take benefit of such a situation by charging unreasonably high prices. On the other hand, a reliable and experienced locksmith would offer you an upfront and transparent pricing. Choose a locksmith who is consistent, honest and fair in his prices.
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Posted by Bryan Thomas on Feb 1, 2016
Have your car keys been stuck in the ignition when in a hurry? I bet it’s very stressful. You can’t leave the keys in the ignition as there is a high risk that someone can steal your car. If this happens to you next time, you shouldn’t worry. Here are some of the things that you can do to remove the stuck key, brought to us by the guys at AZ Ignition Repair:
Check the position of the key
Many people make the mistake of turning the key too far in the “off position” which gets it stuck. Before you do anything you should ensure that the key is in the correct “off position.” Always remember that if you can play the radio, the key is in the wrong position. If you have an automatic car, you should ensure that it’s in the “park” position.
Wiggle the steering wheel
If the key is in the correct position and the car is in the park position, you should wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while trying to pull the key out. When doing this, you should ensure that you are gentle to avoid breaking the ignition.
Jack up the front of the car
The aim of this is to take the weight of the car off the front wheels. Jacking up also gives the steering column more room to move. While the car is still jacked up, you should wiggle the steering wheel and try to pull the key out.
Use a bobby pin
If you have tried the above options and none works, you should use a bobby pin to remove the small cap that covers the access port of the ignition lock.
Use ice
The idea of using ice is to get the key to contract. You should fill a zip-type sandwich bag half full with ice. If the cubes are too large, you should crush them. You should then wrap the bag around the head of the key then wait for about 15 minutes. After this, you should try to wiggle the key out.
Steps to get your car key out from an ignition
1.Before taking a stab at anything, watch that you’re stopping brake is on. You would prefer not to roll away while you’re excessively centered around getting the way to turning!
2. Apply weight to the key and turn the controlling wheel forward and backward to endeavor to locate a free spot where the key turns. An exceptionally basic explanation behind the key not turning in current autos is that the controlling section lock can be stuck a dilemma. At the point when this happens, you’ll have to apply weight on the ignition component and hold on until it opens. For those with a comical inclination, this is frequently called “the controlling wheel shake.”
3 . On the off chance that you have a programmed transmission, check and ensure the selector is in the Park. A few autos will avert you turning the key if the selector is in any position other than park or nonpartisan; it can be not entirely obvious this when tired or in a rush.
4 . Clean and grease up the lock barrel. Splash a liberal measure of electrical contact cleaner to flush away soil and grime, trailed by a brisk shower of silicone or a drop or two of fluid graphite to grease up. Be mindful so as not to permit it to trickle on upholstery or floor covering. Keep the auto open to anticipate aggregation of exhaust, and maintain a strategic distance from sparkles and open blazes. Once you’ve sufficiently included grease, attempt once more.
5 . On some lock barrels, a tumbler might tie in a bolted position, and the springs can’t push it pull out. Immovably tapping the substance of the lock chamber can discharge the stuck tumbler. A tack sledge is about the ideal size and weight for most key barrels.
7 . Tap the key. Tap the end of the key, while in the ignition, with a mallet or hard question while endeavoring to turn the key. Cautioning, keep an eye out for your fingers.
These are some of the ways of removing a key that has stuck in the ignition. If you have tried all of the options and the key is still stuck, you should consider getting the help of a professional. The good side is that there are locksmiths everywhere. For fast response, you should find a professional who is within your area.
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Posted by Bryan Thomas on Dec 21, 2015
Car door locks are quite intimidating; with today’s anti-theft devices re-keying car door services are better off being done by professionals. Even though re-keying of car lock services are done perfectly by professionals, it’s possible to do it yourself provided that you are patient and careful apart from having proper tools.
If you own a car, a need will always arise regarding re-keying of car door locks. For example, if your keys get lost or get stolen, you must never take chances and duplicate a key. Its always risky having your key floating somewhere in an unknown location. Furthermore, the thief who stole the key might be around and may steal your car anytime using the copy of your car key.
It’s for the reasons mentioned above that you must train yourself on how to re-key your car locks.There are several steps necessary in re-keying car door locks. Below is The Process Of Rekeying A Car Door Lock:
Resources:
lakeoswegolocksmith.net
lowes.com
amazon.com
STEP 1- Removing the tumbler and the lock
Begin by removing the car door lock as you work on removing the tumbler mechanism. You will find out that the tumblers that are inside are set in a similar pattern like the previous key that operated your car door lock. Does a readjustment on the tumblers so that they can be able to fit in a pattern of a different key so that the previous key can no longer open your car door lock
STEP 2- Replacing the pins
Replacement tumbler pins always come in sets. All pins differ in length and are on most occasions labeled using numbers. Put the new pins in the place where the old pins were. Make sure that the new pins do not extend further in comparison with the tumbler’s top. When re-keying more than a single car lock arrange the new pins in a similar order so as to use one key with each and of them
STEP 3- Marking your key blank in preparation for cutting
Insert the blank key inside the tumbler mechanism. Used a scribe or even a pen to mark the positions of all tumblers that are on the blade of the key-blank. These marks must indicate where the key requires to be cut
STEP 4- Cutting the new key
It’s important to use a dremel tool that has a cut off wheel so that you can be able to cut through the grooves of that key. If you cannot afford to have a dremel tool, use jeweler’s files when carefully cutting the grooves into the key-blank. Ensure that you check the fit often and you must be careful so that you do not cut below the marked lines. Patience must be observed when shaping precise instruments like keys
STEP 5- Testing your new key
After you cut the key, make sure that all the tumblers are perfectly flush with the outside edge of the tumbler plug that you are using. After everything is in place, test the new key. Reassemble the door lock mechanism as you try the new key. If you are lucky, the new key will perfectly work and you will have successfully completed the process of re-keying your car door lock. If for any reason the key fails to work, remove your car door lock and cut a new key again
STEP 6-Completion
After successfully making a new key that perfectly fits in the new lock tumbler configuration, adjust the tumblers that are on the other locks so that they can match with your key. Once the key opens all your door locks, reassemble the entire system because you will have re-keyed the whole car already. At this juncture, you should be in a position to take your latest key to any hardware around so that you can have several copies made from the original key that is less problematic in opening the new car door lock that has been configured
Tips
- – – You may need to lightly lubricate the locks when replacing the pins
- – – In order to prevent losing upper pins and springs from accidentally falling out, its important to work on high-contrast surfaces or over bowls/dishes that catch lock components whenever they fall out
The tools required when re-keying
- – * Pinning or re-keying set/kit of lock pins
- – * Cylinder follower
- – * Ring remover
- – * Plug follower
- – * Screwdriver
- – * Needle-nosed pliers or tweezers
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