Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you lost your ignition key, it's vital to find out where you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car keys is easy and cost-effective. A locksmith can create a new car key without the original. However, a technologically advanced key like a transponder, switchblade, or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.
1. Check the ignition
There are a variety of reasons your car key doesn't turn in the ignition. First, it could be worn. Over time, the pins in the cylinder can become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the most common reason why people are unable to start their vehicles.
A dead battery in the key fob could need to be replaced. If this is the case, it's a simple fix and can be accomplished at home. Just purchase a new battery for your key fob and check if it works in your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is a part that powers certain components upon inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that will start the car; it is only the one that allows the engine to start.
When you turn the ignition key and it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key into your ignition, it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit that will then provide power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.
Modern cars have an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the key to stop car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a lock equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code lets the computer in the engine to start the starter motor.
If your car is equipped with transponder technology, you will not be able to start it when the battery in the key fob fails. This is the reason it is always recommended to keep a spare key with you, just in case! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your vehicle if the key with a chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys usually get lost when you're in a hurry or doing something that demands your attention. They are easily lost if you're not careful and result in a stressful situation when it occurs. There are steps you can take to get from panic and frustration to finding your keys again.
You may think that traditional keys are obsolete, but they are still available at your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the ignition and door and allow the car to start when you turn it. You can also utilize these keys to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the most affordable to replace and your locksmith will be able cut a key while you sit.
Key fobs first came into use in the late '90s They are made of made of plastic with buttons that can lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain cases activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys that are tucked inside. Fobs can be reprogrammed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and an additional transmitter are added to the key.
We have all been guilty of leaving our keys behind when we're in a hurry or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, it might not have been an issue if they were left on the seat. If you lose them at work or home it could put your family's belongings and personal belongings in danger.
Check your spare key first. It could be hidden in your home or in your bag, so it's worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from where you parked your vehicle until your home or workplace.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database will not produce a key that will work. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends replacing automotive locks with keys that are re-keyed to the original key cuts as often as is possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
You could have problems with your door locks if are having difficulty starting your vehicle. The door locks might be locked or open with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, it is recommended to have a spare backup key that came with the vehicle. These keys are often stored in the key fob, or as a separate backup you can use to open the vehicle. You can also try using tools like the Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.
If the key fob works but it's not turning the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery has died. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob, and then reprogram the device if required.
Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges can break off inside the lock or ignition cylinder. This could make it difficult to start the ignition since the wafers in the key aren't engaged properly.
A car key can also occasionally turn off or on while in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing out and causing intermittent issues with the ignition switch.
When people are trying to start their car, they typically grab the wrong key from their key ring or table. It could be a challenge since some keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
You can fix this problem at home using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of the key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If you are still having trouble make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can help you replace your car keys. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat, on the engine block's back, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.
4. Call car ignition key replacement
Being locked out of your car can be terrifying, especially on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys went or if your keys are lost or stolen, the best thing to do is to call locksmiths to unlock your door.
A locksmith is a professional contractor with specialized knowledge in all things related to locks and access to. They are certified to install, remove and repair doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.
Many people who find themselves in this situation try to save money and call their car dealership for an upgrade. This is typically a bad decision. The majority of dealerships charge more than other parts shops or shops, and it could take a long time to get the keys you need.
It is possible to find locksmiths in times of need and let them decode your lock or create the new one for you. The locksmith will most likely need to use the spare key to decode the lock, which means they can create a new key for your car. The locksmith will take away the old key and program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.
If you own a transponder key locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle. They will then employ a specific device to reprogram your car's computer to connect to the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Most cars today include transponder keys that utilize small heads of plastic that have an electronic chip that communicates with the car's immobilizer. The chip inside the key may be damaged by heat, water, battery problems, or other reasons that make it malfunction. In this situation you'll need to replace the key and re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A good locksmith mobile can do this for you, and also create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.