Posts Tagged ‘ignition failures’

Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Sometimes it pays to listen to your Locksmith and compare the pros and cons and prices before making a decision. Today I’m referring to Auto Locks.  Ignitions, especially, when they fail.  There are some vehicles that failed ignitions are quite common.  We try to keep the most ignitions in stock, but sometimes they aren’t available or you are one of several customers that has called us and they haven’t been restocked yet.  So that means ignitions are sometimes out of stock or are not a regular stock item, however, we can usually have them overnighted if your in a pinch. 

The price we quote you includes:

  1. The service call rate (for the time of day and location of your vehicle). We repair on site unless you bring your vehicle to us. If you bring your vehicle to us then this fee does not apply.
  2. An OEM (Original Equipment  Manufacturer) replacement ignition, we do NOT use cheaply made ignitions. We also do NOT use salvage yard or used ignitions this is only asking for trouble. I state this as a warning as well. I have seen a few shops both locksmith and mechanic use this practice.
  3. The Ignition set to YOUR KEY (when available).
  4. Possibly code cutting of a factory key. If the key is worn this may be needed. This could have even been the reason for the ignition failure. If it is a “chip” key it will also need programmed.
  5. Removal of the old ignition. Many ignitions use what is called an active retainer and must be turned to the “on” position for removal.
  6. Installation of the new ignition
  7. Possibly additional labor. On some vehicles removal of an ignition can be a lengthy process.

We suggest doing it this way.  Why?  For many reasons. Here are a few.

  1. Setting your ignition back to your original key can make generating a key for your vehicle much easier. Therefore, much cheaper in the event that you loose your keys.
  2. One key is convenient. Do you really want 2 separate keys when it should be a 1 key vehicle?
  3. Used locks are just a bad idea. They could fail with the next turn of the key.
  4. Use of a worn key can cause premature failure. Inaccurate keys are hard on locks.

If you decide to shop around, make sure to ask the individual what all is covered in the fees.  Does your vehicle need towed to their location?  Will the replaced ignition be new and set to your original key?  What, if any, additional labor charges are involved.

I hope this article will help you out in making a decision if you personally ever have to deal with this problem.

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Posted in Auto Security, Keys | 7 Comments »

Too Many Keys

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

Too many keys? Ya, too many keys….hanging out of your cars ignition.

We’ve touched on reasons for auto ignition failures before and heres another bit of information to make your car that much more worry free.

Heavy or or overstuffed key rings are probably the largest contributor to auto ignition failure. Imagine if you would taking 2 pieces of metal and rubbing them together for a couple of minutes. OK not much happens here. Now take those same pieces of metal and rub them together a couple of hours a day and do that every day for a couple of months. Notice anything now. Not that you are really going to do this, but imagine what would happen to them if you did. You would most likely see substantial wear on them. Much the same thing happens in your car’s ignition and key when you have a heavy key ring. Fixing the key isn’t too bad. Most locksmiths can cut you a key back to factory specifications and have you on your way in a reasonably short amount of time and at not too much expense.  If you  have a “chip” key the cost can go up substantially. However, when an ignition fails it can be a whole new ball game. Ignitions, even ones that don’t use chip keys can be quite expensive. Most brands of autos use the same ignition for cars with and without chip keys. The difference is the antenna near the ignition that picks up the signal from the key.

Locksmiths are not the only ones who fix ignitions. Some mechanics do as well. The difference is most mechanics will put in a randomly keyed ignition and you end up with 2 keys to what should be a one key car. A locksmith, well I can’t say all, but most will key the new ignition back to the original key so you still have a one key car.

I will admit that there are several autos out there that have ignitions in them that are prone to premature failure no matter how careful you are. And failure doesn’t necessarily mean that the ignition will not turn on. I’ve replaced many GM ignitions that failed due to a sensor in the lock. In this case the key will turn on, however, you get a “no crank” situation and a blinking “theft” indicator on the instrument cluster.

Some ways to keep from causing to much wear on your ignition are.

  • Have a separate key ring with just your ignition, door key and remote on.
  • Use a quick disconnect or release type key ring so you can detach you ignition key from the rest of the ring when being used in you vehicle.
Quick Release Key Ring

Quick Release Key Ring

We do not advise simply leaving your key in the ignition in your car. This is just inviting auto theft and many insurance companies will not cover a claim when an auto is stolen in this situation.

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Posted in Auto Security, Keys, Steve's Lock Out | 1 Comment »

A Key Should Only Be Put In Locks or Your Pocket…

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

…there are a few other places you can put keys too, however, there are several places that they should not be put as well.  This may sound a little gross, but one place they should not be put is in your ears. In my business I re-key, fix and replace many locks and have personally fixed and replaced several that failed due to……….ear wax. I’ll be the first to admit that the first time I came across this and realized what this was that clogged the lock up I felt rather nauseous. It still do, but like everything else you deal with from day to day you build up a tolerance for it.

Automobile ignition  locks are the only place that I come across this problem. Customers will sometimes ask “What was wrong with my lock?” Our reply is normally that we found a waxy substance in the lock prohibiting the movement of the tumblers and advise them not to put their keys anyplace but their pocket or in the lock. Even though I’ve really thought about it I’ve yet to give the reply, “The problem is you clean your ears with your keys.”

As funny as it sounds its really no laughing matter. Ignition lock fails can leave you stranded at the worst times and cost hundreds of dollars to fix. The best way to keep this from happening is to only use your keys for what they are intended for, operating a lock. Not cleaning your ears, scraping dirt, opening cans ect. If you realize that you have gotten something on your keys, stop, don’t put it in the lock. Use a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe the key off. If its sticky and won’t come off by wiping it use a mild cleaner on the blade of the key only. I do not recommend cleaning the electronic part of remote head or electronic keys with any kind of cleaning solution. Follow these simple rules and they can help you avoid some costly repairs.

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Posted in Auto Security, Keys, Steve's Lock Out | 2 Comments »