Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you've lost the ignition key, you need to look for all places you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing the last time you were able to remember seeing the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car keys is easy and inexpensive. Locksmiths can make the new key immediately without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology, such as transponder, smart keys or switchblade will require assistance at the roadside.
1. Check the ignition
There are several reasons why your car key doesn't turn in the ignition. The first is that it may be worn. Over time the pins within the cylinder may wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the most common reason for people not being able to start their car.
Another possibility is that the key fob is an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be done at your home. Purchase new batteries for the key fob and verify that it is compatible with your car.
It could be that your ignition switch has malfunction. The ignition switch is an electronic component that supplies power to various components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch isn't the one that actually starts the car, it is only the one that allows the engine to start.
When you turn the key in your ignition and it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it presses tumblers in a specific arrangement and then closes the circuit for ignition. This then supplies power to the starter motor to allow the engine to begin.
Modern cars employ a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder inside your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This code is unique and will activate the engine's computer and allow the starter motor to turn over.
If your car is equipped with a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery on the key fob goes out. It is always a good idea to keep an extra car key in your possession just in case. The majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature that can assist you in starting your vehicle if the key with a chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys are typically lost when you're in a rush or performing something that requires your attention. If you're not careful they could easily get lost and cause a stressful situation. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get from panic and frustration to find your keys again.
It is possible to think that traditional keys are no longer needed, but they are still available from your local auto dealer or locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the door and ignition and start the car when turned. You can also use these keys to open a glove box or trunk. The traditional keys are most affordable and easiest to replace. A locksmith at your local can cut you one while you are waiting.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are plastic casings that include buttons that allow you to lock and unlock the car (and, in some cases, activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys. Fobs can be programmed by your local automotive locksmith however only after a new transponder chip and an additional transmitter are added to the key.
We have all been guilty of leaving keys in the car when we're in a rush or distracted. If you were in a taxi or another ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft It may not have been an issue if they were left on the seat. If you lose them at home, or at work, you could be putting your belongings and your family's safety at risk.
Check your spare key first. It may be hidden in your home or in your bag, so it is worth an initial search. Consider retracing the steps you took from where you parked your car to your workplace or home.
Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database won't produce keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that the replacement locks for automotive be re-keyed to match the original key cut whenever possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
There could be a problem with the door locks if you are having trouble starting your vehicle. They could be open or locked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you must have a backup key that came with the vehicle. The keys are usually hidden in the key fob or as a separate backup you can use to open the vehicle. You could also use a tool like the Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without causing damage the ignition switch or door locks.
The battery may be dead If the key fob functions but it isn't turning on the ignition. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries on the key fob and reprogramme it if required.
Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break in the lock or the ignition cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition as the wafers that make up the key aren't properly engaged.
Another common issue with car keys is that it can sometimes turn on and off when it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems.
When people are trying to start their vehicle, they usually grab the wrong key from their key table or ring. This could be a problem because certain keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
This is a simple fix that you can do at home: simply clean the key with the help of a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter from the surface of the key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If you're still having issues make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. car ignition lock will increase the likelihood of finding someone who can replace your car keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's chair, on the engine block's back, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.
4. Call a locksmith
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you don't know where your keys went, or if your key is lost or stolen the best thing you can do is contact an locksmith to help you unlock your door.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are trained in the installation of, removal, repair, and disassembly ignition cylinders, doors and.
Many people in this kind of situation try to save money by calling their car dealership to make a new set of keys, but this is usually a bad idea. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or parts stores, and it might take a while to get your keys.
You can also contact a locksmith to decode your lock in case of emergency. They can then create an additional key for you. The locksmith will probably need to use your spare key to decode the lock, so they can make a new key for your car. The locksmith will wipe the old key off the car system, which means it will not be able to start the car until the new key is programmed to work with it.
The locksmith will need to access your vehicle to reprogram the computer of the car to accept the new key. This is a process called "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Transponder keys are found in a majority of automobiles today. They are a small plastic key with a computer-chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip can be damaged by water, heat and battery issues or any other cause. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle must be programmed to accept it. A good locksmith mobile will be able to do this for you and create keys that work well in the future.