How to Handle Ignition Cylinder Problems

Different problems can arise with vehicle locks and keys. One thing that can come up is an issue with the ignition cylinder. Unfortunately, problems tend to arise over time, especially if you have certain habits that might cause the ignition cylinder to ultimately fall apart. Everett Lock and Key provides services in Everett, WA and they have complied information that is meant to help customers to know how to deal with ignition cylinder issues. If you are looking for more information on what the ignition cylinder actually is, or if you are looking to get details on how to deal with ignition cylinder problems, have a look below!

Ignition Cylinder: What It Is

The ignition cylinder is what is used to start a vehicle. It’s the cylinder tumbler where you insert your key and turn it to start the car. Many new cars today use a push start system, but unless you’ve bought a new vehicle recently, you have a traditional ignition cylinder for your vehicle.

How the Ignition Cylinder Works

There are four positions as it relates to the ignition cylinder. Here are how the positions work: when the key is placed in the ignition cylinder and one turns it up once, it unlocks the car’s steering wheel. Then, when the key is turned a second notch, it is powering on the dashboard lights and the radio. When the key is turned up a third notch, to the third position, the fuel is started. Lastly, when the key is turned all of the way, the engine comes on. If you think about each of the specific steps, you might realize that there is room for things to go wrong with the ignition cylinder. Have a look at potential issues below.

Issues With Ignition Cylinder

The most common thing that can go wrong is that the key becomes stuck in the ignition cylinder. Maybe it has to be loosened by jiggling the key. If this is happening, it is a sure sign that the ignition cylinder probably needs to be replaced. This is something a locksmith can do – you can always go to a dealership, but locksmiths tend to offer much better rates.

Another problem that can arise is that the key can’t be inserted into the ignition cylinder. Wear and tear tends to be the cause here, and again, this warrants ignition cylinder replacement.

Sometimes people have trouble starting the engine. Wear and tear is probably the culprit, inside the ignition cylinder. Of course, it is important to first check to ensure that the problem isn’t actually just a dead battery, or one that is dying. If the problem isn’t the battery, then it could be a variety of concerns, considering that an electronic ignition switch is directly connected to the ignition lock cylinder.

What To Do

There are certain steps one can take prior to calling a locksmith, dealership or mechanic. For example, you can take a few moments to look for dirt and debris which can sometimes get lodged into the cylinder. As mentioned, you should also make sure that the issue isn’t a dead battery – this is a simple fix (have the battery replaced) and will save you from paying for a new ignition cylinder if it is not even really needed.

Key Stuck In Ignition Cylinder

Also prior to calling a lock and security expert, you should try gently moving the key from side to side if it is currently stuck inside of the cylinder. Just be cautious while doing this because too much force can cause even more damage. You can also try wiggling the steering wheel gently. Obviously, no one wants to have to sit around stuck while their key remains trapped in the ignition cylinder. If this is the concern you are dealing with, and wiggling around the steering wheel a bit doesn’t help, nor does trying to gently move the key, then you should reach out to an expert. A locksmith will be able to come to you to help you. They can provide services such as broken key extraction if they deem that ignition cylinder replacement isn’t mandatory.

Find A Locksmith

Over time, we might start seeing less concerns about ignition cylinders, because cars of the future might only use a push start option to start. But right now, this isn’t the case, and it is important to know what to do if you are having ignition cylinder problems. Hopefully this information has been useful to you and provided some degree of guidance so that you know what steps to take if you are ever stuck dealing with a problem. Save the contact information of a lock and security provider in your location that is licensed and insured. Of course, Everett Lock and Key can help locals in this part of world, but if you are somewhere else and you can’t conveniently access these services, it is important to know where to turn to.

There are certainly ways that are easier than others to handle ignition cylinder problems. When in doubt it is always a wise idea to turn to someone with expertise. The thing is, you don’t want to cause further damage to your vehicle if there are already signs of damage taking place. Maybe key extraction is an option, for instance, but if you apply too much force, you might have to have ignition cylinder replacement, when it wasn’t entirely necessary in the first place. Just be cautious, keep the contact information of an expert on hand, and pay mind to issues as they start to reveal themselves. Paying attention before problems worsen can obviously save a great deal of stress – you could avoid getting stuck in a parking lot somewhere if you can tell ahead of time that the ignition cylinder is falling apart.

One final point worth mentioning is that you should eliminate how much weight is on the keychain that holds your car key. You don’t want the ignition cylinder to fall apart due to excessive weight.

Best of luck with your vehicle – stay safe!

Aricle source here: How to Handle Ignition Cylinder Problems

When You’re Locked Out-Here’s What to Do!

What Exactly Constitutes as a Lockout

When you are locked-out, you are unable to gain entry into your home, office or car. If you are distracted, it is easy for you to lock yourself out. Whatever you do, DO NOT break a window! Breaking a window is not the solution when you are locked out. Doing this only makes the problem worse and leads to added expenses. In many instances, a person will often break a window because they do not want to contact a locksmith. At this stage, you’ll have to have your window repaired.

It is a nerve wrecking situation when someone is locked out. It’s hard to tell someone not to panic when they are locked out of their home, office or car. However, if you don’t relax, you may not be able to think properly. It doesn’t matter how you feel, it is possible for you to get back inside with a little forethought. If you’re unable to get inside, the best option you have is to contact the reputable and reliable services of Everett Lock and Key in Everett, WA. We are always here to assist you with your lockout needs.

Typical Types of Lockouts

Automobile Lockouts

This is our most widely used locksmith service at Everett Lock and Key. Again, if you’re distracted, it is very easy to lock keys in the car. This means you’ve just locked yourself out of your car. If you’re on the phone, looking for something or your mind is just somewhere else, you might find yourself doing this more times than you care to admit. The first advise that we like to offer to our customers is the need to remain calm and think about what they can do to get back inside their car.

Avoid remaining locked out of your car for too long by always giving someone else a spare key. This should be a close trusted friend or family member who can be there when you need them. It makes no sense for you to give a key to someone who is always out of time or doesn’t respond to your phone calls. If you haven’t already taken the step to give someone a spare key, what are you waiting for? Take immediate action to do so or else you may find yourself locked out of your car, thinking back to this article.

Commercial Lockouts

If you happen to step outside without your belongings, it is simple for you to lock yourself out. This isn’t that much of a problem if you work somewhere where other people are always around. This means that there is always someone that who can let you in. However, what about those times you are working late or you have to close? There isn’t anyone to let you back in once you have locked yourself out.

One options is to make sure someone is always there when you are expected to be the last to leave. This not only serves as another source of security; it is also helpful to know that if you accidentally lock yourself out, there will be someone there who can let you in again. Make sure whoever handles the maintenance of your business has a set of master keys. There should always be someone with another set of keys to the business that you can rely on when you find yourself locked out. By making sure you have another set of keys close by, you won’t have to worry about being locked out for too long.

Home Lockouts

Locking yourself out of your home might not be as common as locking yourself out of your car but it is pretty common, especially if you have a door that locks automatically. When you’re running to the mailbox, excited because the package you’ve been expecting finally arrives, you might not grab your house keys. Wam! You’re now locked out just that fast. If someone comes to your door and you simply step out and close the door in order to prevent them from peering inside, once again, you have just locked yourself out just that easily. What can you do if you find yourself locked out of your home? Here is what we suggest that you do.

While we certainly hope that there are no other windows or doors open to your house, this is the first place you might want to check. If you have an open window or door, be careful to make sure no one sees you looking around for the open door or window. You don’t want to give them any ideas. You don’t want anyone to think that they can get into your home just as easily as you did. Be as inconspicuous as possible. The other thing you can do is provide a trusted neighbor or family member with a set of keys to your house. This can be a problem when your cell phone with your contacts is inside the house. Memorize the number of the person who would hold your extra set of keys. This will save you time and frustration in the end.

Dangerous Types of Lockouts

If you’re in the middle of nowhere or it’s late at night and no one else is around, this is something we would consider a dangerous lockout. This type of situation needs to be handled quickly to make sure you’re safe and sound. We highly recommend that you try to find a police officer or highway patrol to call you a local locksmith. Rather than focusing on the cost of an emergency locksmith, you should be more concerned with your safety and security. If you are reluctant to call a locksmith, perhaps you’re not as concerned about your safety and security than we are. You can never be too safe. Here are some things to consider when you are locked out in a dangerous situation:

• Don’t accept help from just anyone
• Remain close to your car
• Don’t accept a ride from anyone
• Find a professional locksmith with emergency lock and key services

Aricle source here: When You’re Locked Out-Here’s What to Do!