Auto Ignition Cylinder Failure Warning Signs and Troubleshooting

Your car has many important locks found in its doors, trunk and elsewhere inside it. One of the most important locks is the one found in its ignition cylinder. It is an important part of your vehicles anti-theft system. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the locks on your vehicle that fails the most often and when it does fail most of the time it leaves you stranded. It can be a frustrating and time consuming chore to get you back on your way again when your auto ignition cylinder fails.

All is not lost as far as trying to prevent a failed ignition cylinder lock from leaving you stranded. Usually there are some signs that your ignition cylinder is about to have a major problem with its locking mechanism. There are also some troubleshooting steps you can try yourself with ignition cylinder lock that will keep you from getting stranded too.

What Is a Vehicle Ignition Cylinder/Switch?

In Lehman’s terms the ignition cylinder is where you put your key in the steering column to start your car. The entire body that surrounds the ignition cylinder is called an ignition switch. Once you insert your key into the ignition cylinder it sends anti-theft coding to the ignition switch. Once the ignition switch verifies the coding is a match it then allows you to turn your key and start your car.

Even though many cars nowadays are being built with keyless startup there are still many vehicles on the road with ignition switches. The ignition cylinder will usually be a four position switch that consists of the following positions:

1. Unlocks the steering column
2. Turns on the power to your car’s accessories
3. Powers up your vehicles onboard computer
4. Allows your car to crank up and start

Ignition switches are designed so that the ignition cylinder can be changed out pretty easily by someone who knows what they are doing like a locksmith or auto service tech. Most locksmiths carry spare ignition cylinders right on their service vehicles that will fit just about any make or model car.

Warning Signs Your Vehicle Ignition May Need a Repair Soon

Most of the time your ignition cylinder will not just suddenly fail without you having any prior trouble with it. They will usually give you some advance warning signs that indicate they are about to go. Most of the time the problems you encounter with your ignition cylinder are wear issues from it being turned so much over time.

Here are some of the warning signs that tell you that you are probably going to have to replace your vehicle ignition switch very soon:

• You have trouble inserting your key into the ignition cylinder or taking it out
• It gets hard to turn your key over in your ignition cylinder
• Your steering column has trouble unlocking even when the key is in the ignition cylinder
• The key turns in the ignition cylinder but your car still does not start
• You turn the key and your accessories don’t come on
• Your key slides in and out of the ignition cylinder with little resistance. This is a sign that either your key is getting worn or that your ignition cylinder itself is starting to get excessively worn out.

If you see any of these signs of possible ignition cylinder failure, then make sure you have it checked out right away by a professional locksmith or mechanic before it fails and leaves you stranded someplace.

Article Source: Auto Ignition Cylinder Failure Warning Signs and Troubleshooting

The Benefits of Owning a Home Safe

By: Kalley Danese

Homeowners everywhere are taking advantage of owning a home safe for a variety of reasons. With how many options are available on the market today, it is no wonder more and more homeowners are turning to on-site security. With safes being the ultimate tool of protection that you have full control over, the advantages to home safes are numerous. It has never been easier to own a personal, highly secure safe as popularity and demand for home safe’s increase.

As you read through the following article, consider the ways in which you and your family may benefit from the uses of a home safe. Home safes are fantastic for storing important or sensitive documents, jewelry and heirlooms, along with guns and ammunition. It is possible you may find yourself with multiple items needing to be stored. You may also want to consider future plans, such as having children someday. A home safe should be an investment that will last you a long time, so be sure to buy a safe that will satisfy your needs both now and in the future. Also, keep in mind which area of your home might be best to store your home safe. The location of the safe itself can influence the size and shape of the safe that is most practical for you to purchase. Do you want to keep the safe out of sight? Would you benefit from a standing safe or a smaller, suitcase sized safe? These will be important questions to think on before purchasing your home safe. 

There are several important benefits to owning your own home safe. Below you will find the most common reasons why home safes are a great idea for any home owner.

Theft Protection

The number one perk of owning a home safe is being able to protect your personal belongings from theft. Home safes come is various shapes and sizes, making it easy to store whatever valuable items you may see fit. Depending on the assets or items you would like to keep stored in your home safe, you can be rest assured that they will be protected. Many families store jewelry in safes, for example, and may only require a smaller, suitcase sized home safe. Other families, on the other hand, may have larger heirlooms or other items that require a standing safe or a larger storage size. Also, you may only need to store papers that contain sensitive information, or all of the above. Taking an inventory of which items you will most likely keep stored in your home safe will help you make the proper decision about which safe will best serve all your needs.

Weather and Natural Disaster Protection

Once you have determined what items you would like to keep stored in your home safe, consider where the safe will be stored, as well as the weather conditions in your area. Do you live in a particular humid climate or one that receives a lot of rain and potential flooding per year? What about exceptionally hot temperatures? You will want to consider the moisture and temperature levels of both the climate you live in and the room you plan to store the safe. Most safes are fire and melt resistant, but depending on your location, you may want to ensure that you are getting the most weather and water resistant safe possible.

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