ARE YOU EXPERIENCING IGNITION CYLINDER PROBLEMS? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!

If you’re having any trouble starting your vehicle, there are a number of reasons it’s happening. One possibility is that your car’s ignition switch is malfunctioning. If so, then you should investigate. In some instances, you can find the nature of the issue yourself. A worn-out ignition can be a hazard, so don’t ignore it.

Are You Having Problems Starting Your Automobile?

When you start up the car, the ignition coil takes its power from the battery, sending it to the sparkplugs, which ignites the fuel so the car will run. If you turn the engine over too many times, it’s possible you’ll drain the battery. If so, there won’t be any power left to start it up again.

Additional Causes of Ignition Problems

An ignition often fails because it’s been faulty from the beginning. Check with the manufacturer. If your car is still under warranty, then the dealership will probably replace your ignition cylinder for free. If it’s not under warranty, then contact an automotive locksmith in Downtown Miami.

Your transponder key isn’t communicating. This could mean that the computer chip has lost its programming. You can reprogram your existing key; or, you can hire a professional locksmith to duplicate the existing cuts to program a completely new one. An accomplished professional automotive locksmith specialist will be able to provide the exacting work needed to carry out this precise service.

Is a broken key or other foreign object lodged in the lock mechanism? Don’t attempt to fix this problem unless you’re a mechanic! Instead, contact an automotive locksmith technician. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage. The broken key, or whatever the object is, can be removed by a professional, so you won’t have to replace the entire ignition switch.

Your car key might have sustained too much wear and tear. Over the years, a car key will gradually become ineffective, and eventually it may stop functioning. In that case, it will have to be remade, applying the factory key cutting codes, to ensure that the key is accurately cut and fully functional.

Did you mistakenly insert the incorrect key in the ignition switch? If you stuck the wrong key into the ignition, then don’t even try to get it out! You might cause irreparable damage. Instead, call a dependable automotive locksmith expert in Downtown Miami.

Your ignition’s set of wafers, which index with corresponding cuts on the car key, are worn-out, or jammed up with grime, which will cause the ignition switch to fail. Simple cleaning, or individual wafer replacement, will be effective, making a full replacement unnecessary.

Is the switch overheating? If your ignition switch is hot to the touch, then there might be a short, which means the issue originates in the electrical system. Because your ignition switch is connected to high-resistance wires, any of the terminals where these wires are connected can overheat, and may even melt the insulating base. If this occurs, your car will jerk violently and won’t start at all. 

Has a car thief attempted to steal your vehicle? An aborted theft can wreck havoc on your ignition switch and steering column. If this has happened to you, then the whole ignition assembly has to be replaced.

Watch for These Warning Signs

·         the key comes out, even while the car is running

·         the steering wheel gets stuck sometimes, or becomes immovable

·         while idling, you’re prone to stalling

·         you may observe higher auto emissions

·         you might notice increased fuel consumption

·         you’re having car battery problems

·         you can’t stick the key in the ignition at all

Check on the Ignition Status

One sure sign of a faulty ignition switch is that your instrument panel doesn’t illuminate when the key is in the second position.

When you put your key in the ignition switch and turn it, there are three standard positions:

1   The “off” status position: No power is being transmitted to the system.

2   The “on” status position: The dashboard lights turn on, but the engine stays off.

3   The “start” position: This is when you exert full key pressure; the engine fires.

Monitor Your Dashboard Lights

Regular wear and tear leads to ignition switch malfunction, especially if you own an older model. If your ignition switch begins to fail, you may not hear any clicks from the main relay. If you stall out, examine your dashboard lights. When you turn the car key to the “on” (position 2), if the brake light, oil light, charge light, and other warning lights don’t come on, then something’s wrong.

Check the Integrity of the Ignition Switch

When you put the ignition key in the “start” position (position 3), the moment you see it’s starting, let go of the key, allowing it to snap back to the “on” position. If your warning lights go off when the switch snaps back, then the switch is broken, and you’ll need to call an automotive locksmith.

DIY

If you have some automotive expertise, you could service the ignition switch yourself. Replacing an ignition switch isn’t easy, particularly in newer cars, because they usually include anti-theft devices. You’ll render your vehicle inoperable if you remove or replace your ignition switch without the proper tools, and without taking the recommended precautions! The electrical current running through your car’s system can even cause bodily harm, so keep all metallic objects away from all electrical wires. Prior to installing a new ignition switch, the process will involve disconnecting the battery cable from the battery terminal, removing the steering column, removing the wiring harness connected to the ignition switch, and so on.

Hire a Professional

Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s much better to hire a reputable professional. If you’re anywhere in Downtown Miami, Florida, it’s a smart idea to hire an expert automotive locksmith, such as a mobile automotive locksmith specialist on staff at Reliable Locksmith & Safe, who will know just what to do to get you back on the road again soon.

Watch Our Video Now To Learn What We Can Do For You!

Getting our customers the best and most affordable lock and key services at Reliable Locksmith & Safe is important to us. We price our services at the most affordable prices possible. Contact Reliable Locksmith & Safe for your automotive, residential, emergency and commercial locksmith service needs. You are able to receive the best quality of services possible because we select our locksmiths based on their level of training and qualifications. We make sure that our locksmith technicians know how to effectively resolve even the most difficult lock and key problems. Do yourself a favor by visiting our website at www.downtownmiamilocksmith.net. We’re ere for you around the clock, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

What To Do To Prevent Lockouts

Ok, so you know that you have great locks at your property and you trust them to help you prevent anyone from being able to break in. You had brand new locks installed on your front door, and you even have locks on your windows, garage door and patio. Surely, there is no point of your property that is unlocked. But herein comes a problem. 

What happens when the person who is trying to get into the property is you? What happens when the person who is locked out is the homeowner or commercial property owner or even the car owner? Lockouts happen, and thanks to the team at Reliable Locksmith & Safe, people everywhere now have access to tips that might actually help them to prevent the lockout from ever happening in the first place. This is a locksmith that serves the Downtown Miami, FL area but their information can help people everywhere. Have a look at ways to help you avoid getting locked out. 

1. Have a spare key. This might seem simple, but many people fail to make copies of their office keys and residential property keys. You could leave a copy with a neighbor that you know you can count on, or even with a family member who lives in the area. Leave one with your best friend. This isn’t a bad idea for a person who travels often and wants to have a companion drop by to check in on their pet or to water their plants. So, having a spare key can serve a multitude of purposes.
2. Invest in a hide a key device. This is a place in which you can store your spare key so that it is on your property but out of plain sight. You won’t have to wait for a neighbor or friend if you ever get locked out. Some hide a keys look like a rock, for instance, and it could be placed in your backyard by the pool. It could even be placed right in your front lawn. It should be a device that just looks like something natural, or that doesn’t have the appearance of a box that is hiding a key. People tend to be impressed with how good these solutions actually look, as they expect them to sort of stand out as obvious.
3. Switch out your locks with a keyless lock. If you have a keyless device at your home, office or for your vehicle, then you can rest assured that you won’t get locked out because you are missing a key, because you won’t have a key that can get lost. Of course, you could end up forgetting your lock code, but this is an entirely different problem. Some keyless devices allow you to gain entry using fingerprint recognition, so if you have a difficult time keeping track of codes, you might want to opt for a fingerprint reader. This is yet another way to prevent a lockout from happening.
4. Get rid of self-locking door knobs. Some people really like door knobs that lock on their own, but other people can’t stand them because they know that they will end up getting locked out. When your door automatically locks after you walk out, there is bound to be a problem which comes up eventually. It might be a wise idea to replace these locks with ones that have to physically be locked using a key.
5. Make sure that if you have a keyless device, you don’t have it set up so that it automatically locks you out completely and becomes disabled after a certain amount of incorrect passcode attempts. Of course, you might want to have it set up so that this is the case, but consider then telling a trusted friend or family member what the code is, so if you ever happen to forget, you can just call them and they will be able to provide you with the accurate passcode. With all of the passwords that we need to remember today, it can be difficult to get confused, especially if we aren’t using the same one for everything. You likely have a passcode for your phone, your laptop, your cell phone account, your energy company account, and any other account you have. It can definitely be easy to get numbers confused. So share this information with someone you can count on, and you can avoid having to call in a locksmith for help, which will certainly save some cash.
6. If you think you are locked out of your vehicle, check the back doors to make sure none of them are unlocked before you call yourself “locked out.” Locksmiths get a lot of calls from people who think they are locked out, but there is another door that is open. If you are at your home, check the patio door or back door.

These are some tips you should keep in mind from preventing a lockout from ever happening. You can’t really be locked out, at least for long, if you have a friend who has your spare key, or if you have a key hidden away on your property, or if you forgot your passcode but a loved one could tell you what it is over the phone. Of course, a final option is to call in a local locksmith. Usually, a lock and security provider will make themselves available to customers 24 hours a day, every day of the week. 

As a matter of fact, they will even be available to help you get back in during a lockout on holidays. They understand that these things happen, and they want to be there for you when they do. If you’re in Downtown Miami, Florida then be sure to call the experienced team at Reliable Locksmith & Safe if you ever end up locked out of your property, whether that means you are locked out of your place of work, house or even your car.

Avoid an Online Locksmith Scam

If you have to rely on the services of a local locksmith, you should know about a locksmith scam that is taking place all over the United States. It is not a new thing for people to disguise themselves as service providers, gain your trust and then rob you blind. If you do not want this to happen to you, listen up. There are unscrupulous people who pose as locksmiths who do shoddy work to collect money from unsuspecting victims. Don’t become one of them. Here is how the scam operates.

There are hundreds of websites created that mimic authorized and legit locksmith services. The website looks just like any other service provider on the Internet. It is hard to determine whether or not they are authorized locksmith services with the qualifications to handle your lock and key needs simply by looking at their website. Once the website is listed on Google, they begin to write their own reviews that place them in a favorable position so that you will want to rely on their services and not their competitors.

These scammers go as far as opening up call centers outside of the country to answer your service request inquiries. Once they gather your information, they then route your request to a sub-contractor in the area. They do not actually have their own locksmith company. When you are given a quote, it is usually a low estimate. This is how they draw in the unsuspecting victim. When a locksmith arrives to perform the job you have for them, you may or may not have a real locksmith show up.

They might call themselves fixing the problem but in actuality what they are really doing is creating a bigger problem that will cost you more in the end. They actually damage the lock further instead of make the necessary repairs. They claim the job was more difficult than they first suspected and this is how they are able to get more money out of you. They sometimes get more than triple the amount that you were quoted. While the customer is upset, they generally will not dispute the charges. 

Lookout for Locksmith Scams

When you are in a hurry or simply need a resolution quickly, you may not consider what you need to lookout for but if you can keep only one or two of these signs in mind, you can then look elsewhere for the help you need. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• When contacting the locksmith, if you are being routed to a fake service provider, the dispatcher will not answer with the exact name of the company. If you ask them what locksmith service you have reached, they will not be able to tell you because they probably work for hundreds of fake locksmith companies.
• When they quote you a fee for the job that needs to be performed it will usually be an extremely low rate. This is alarm enough, especially if you are getting much higher quotes elsewhere. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Instead of the low cost of the service that you have been quoted, you may end up spending hundreds of dollars.
• They may promise to respond to your service requests in 15-minute or less. In actuality it may take them up to 2 hours or longer. This is because the service provider has not been contacted yet. Remember, you are not dealing directly with the actual locksmith service and therefore it may take time to find the closest one to you. The closest locksmith may be more than an hour from where you are, despite what Google Maps indicates.
• If you are being scammed, the locksmith will likely arrive in an unmarked vehicle. In some cases, they may have a magnetic sign on their car or truck that they can simply take off. Most reputable locksmith companies advertise their company with permanent advertising, clearly marked on their vehicles. They may also have out-of-state license plates if they are not legitimate.
• They will not have a uniform on and will not be able to show you and ID.
• They will claim that you have high security locks or commercial grade locks and begin drilling into the door, enabling them to destroy the lock itself. At this point, they will usually replace your good lock for a cheap one but still charge you more claiming that it took them longer to pick the lock because they had to drill a lock.
• When you need an automotive locksmith, the locksmith that shows up may claim that since the car is older, it will cost more or if it’s newer they might claim that job will cost more because its newer.
• A fake locksmith will ask for cash payment. Fake locksmiths do not want to accept credit card payments. In most instances, they are not authorized to do so. Credit cards make it possible for them to be discovered.
• They cover their tracks. It’s not possible for you to locate them once they have already scammed you. If you make contact with the actual locksmith, they will say that you have to speak to dispatch. When you contact dispatch, they direct you to another number. When you call that other number, either it doesn’t exists or the phone just rings and no one every answers. Finally, if you do make contact with someone, they will say the locksmith no longer works for them but they will not offer to give you any money back or fix the problem.

Always be aware of scammers when you are trying to find a service provider. There are plenty of decent Downtown Miami, Florida locksmiths, like Reliable Locksmith & Safe, who are eager to assist you with your lock and key needs. You don’t have to become a victim if you just stay calm and think about what it is that you are looking for and be aware of the tactics of locksmith scammers.

Lock and Key Types

There are hundreds of different lock and key types. There’s a good reason for that; they work! Locks and locking mechanisms have been successfully used for thousands of years. Bronze Age civilizations used locks to keep unwanted intruders, burglars and the religious uninitiated out of temples, palaces, tombs and treasure buildings. Ancient Romans used to lock their shops at night and on holidays much like shop keepers today. Even children today know that locks are for protecting our valuables. Reading this post from our Reliable Locksmith & Safe staff won’t make you an expert but it will increase your appreciation for these needed and ever valuable tools that we use to secure our own treasures.

Auto locks and keys

We learn at from an early age that our cars, trucks, and SUVs can lock and keep out those that shouldn’t be using them. Auto locks can secure our ignitions, trunks, doors; even our glove compartments. We use the keys to gain entrance and also to make the car engine turn on and off. Older cars use the traditional car key while cars made after 1995 mainly use transponder chip keys to prevent car theft. Many cars use keyless entry locks and systems to open, lock and even drive the car.

Pin tumbler locks

Think of the work “key” and the image you most likely see in your mind is the traditional key with one end larger (for holding) while the main body of the key is the blade which has a series of grooves in it. Keys like this are used in modern day traditional locks. The grooves in the key blade engage the pins in the lock so that if they key matches, they cause the lock to open. Keys and locks like these can be used in a huge variety of ways and you literally see them everywhere. You can have duplicate keys made just about anywhere. You don’t need a locksmith in Downtown Miami, FL to have one cut; you can easily go to any mail center, home improvement store, gas station or even convenience store and have it done for a very small charge.

Tubular locks and keys 

Read our Reliable Locksmith & Safe description and you’ll instantly recognize these all over the place! They are also known as radial locks and circle pin tumbler locks. These are round locks with round keys. Inside the lock are 6 to 8 pins arranged in a circular pattern. That’s why the key that is inserted is tubular or circular in shape. You often see these unusual locks on elevators, bicycle locks, coin operated washing machines, vending machines and even on slot machines in Las Vegas!

Keyless entry systems

We briefly touched on these earlier. Just like the name says; keyless entry systems allow us to access vehicles, ignitions, buildings and other property without the use of keys, per se. The user simply enters a series of numbers into a keypad in order to open the lock. This system is perfect for cutting down on theft as no one can simply steal your key or have a copy made and then drive off with your car. Even your auto remote can be used to alarm, start and even turn off your car. A built-in mechanism shuts down the process and even sounds an alarm if someone was to enter too many number sequences in an effort to “guess” the right combination.

Master key systems

This is a very practical method of rekeying locks so that they fit one key. Using a master key, you can access several locks without having to use multiple keys. It isn’t useful in most everyday situations like at home or for your car. It IS useful in places like schools, universities, hospitals, apartment complexes, office buildings and so forth where multiple rooms, closets, storage facilities and offices all have a different key (for the users) but can be accessed by one master key that the owner or manager has access to. We’ve all seen that poor janitor that has the very ponderous key ring with dozens of jangling keys hanging from it. Master key conversions are useful in many situations and here at Reliable Locksmith & Safe we can help you decide if it’s also right for you.

Transponder keys

Post 1995 most cars use the transponder key system. These specialty keys have drastically cut down on car theft. That’s the good part. What’s the bad? They can be (usually) expensive to duplicate or program if they are lost, broken or stolen. Transponder keys have an embedded chip located in the head or handle of the key. When you insert this key into the ignition and turn it, a signal is sent from this chip to your car’s computer. If the signal matches; presto – your car starts! Car theft is cut down by not being able to copy these keys at your local convenience store.

Key cards

These handy cards are becoming more and more prevalent as they are so easy to implement and track. These key cards are made of plastic and look much like credit cards. They even have a magnetic strip down the back. This strip is encoded with numbers and characters. When the card is swiped, the internal reader in the lock either recognizes the sequence or it doesn’t. Key cards can be used in residential applications like luxury apartments as well as in commercial uses like high end hotels, office buildings, hospital rooms, retirement homes, retail stores and even institutional uses.

Find out more!

Do you need something that needs to be locked? It could be anything from a bedroom trunk to a new commercial building. Different locks do different tasks. Some are low security like the tiny lock on a diary and others can involve more advanced measures like video surveillance and or high security locks. For best results, check with your favorite Downtown Miami locksmith shop or call Reliable Locksmith & Safe for free consultations and no-cost, no-obligation additional details!