Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost the ignition key, it's vital to check all the places you may have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing last time you recall seeing the keys.

Replacing a traditional car key is simple and affordable. A locksmith can create a new car key without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key, transponder or switchblade, will require assistance at the roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are a few different factors that could cause your car keys not to turn the ignition. The first thing is that it could be worn out. Over time the pins within the cylinder could be worn out, preventing it from turning. This is the main reason that people are unable to start their vehicles.

A dead battery inside the key fob could require replacement. This is a simple fix that you can do at your home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and check if it works with your car.

Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch is a part that powers certain components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not start the car; it only allows the engine to start.

When you turn the ignition key it forces tumblers into an exact arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key into your ignition, it pushes the tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit that will then provide power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars employ a different system to protect against theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip embedded in the key head. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a key that has a transponder inside your ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna. This unique code will trigger the engine's computer and allow the starter motor to turn over.

If your car has a transponder key, there is no way to start it if the key fob battery fails. It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in your possession, just in case. However, the majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature to ensure that your car is started in the event that the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

If you're in a hurry or doing something other thing that requires your attention, it is more likely that you'll lose your car keys. They can be easily lost in the event of a mishap and result in stress when it occurs. There are steps you can take to get from anxiety and panic back to your keys.

It is possible to think that traditional keys are obsolete, but they are still accessible from your local auto dealer or locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure the door and ignition and start the car when turned. You can also utilize these keys to unlock your trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easiest to replace. Your local locksmith can cut you one while you wait.

Key fobs were introduced in the early 1990s, and they are plastic casings with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car (and in certain instances activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices include physical keys. Fobs can be reprogrammed by your local locksmith, but only after the transponder chip has been replaced and the transmitter have been added to the key.

We've all made the mistake of leaving our keys behind when we're in a rush or distracted. It might not be an issue even if you put keys in your car in an Uber, cab or bus, or a ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you are unable to locate them at work or home you could put your family's belongings and personal belongings in danger.

Check your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your house or your bag, making it worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the point you parked your vehicle until your workplace or home.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. However, if your locks have been modified or replaced and rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database will not create a new key that works. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut whenever possible.

3. Check the door locks

You could have a problem with your door locks if are having trouble getting your car started. They may be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys there should be a spare key that came with the vehicle. The keys are usually stored in the key fob, or as a separate backup you can use to open the vehicle. You could also try a tool such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without damaging the locks on your doors or ignition switch.

The battery might be dead If the key fob is working but it isn't turning on the ignition. It is necessary to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if needed.

Over time, car key edges wear out and break off in the ignition lock or cylinder. The wafers on the keys may not be properly engaged which makes it difficult to turn the ignition.

A car key may 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 try to start their car, they typically grab the wrong key by mistake from their key ring or table. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar and you might be putting the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.

You can fix this problem at home with a cotton Swab that is dipped into rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter off the surface of the key, which could stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you still have trouble take a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. The VIN is typically located on your insurance card but it's also located in a few other places on the vehicle itself, including on a panel just above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block, in the trunk or on the door jamb and on the frame between the carburetor and windshield washer.

4. Call a locksmith

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen it is recommended to call a locksmith.

Locksmiths are professional contractor with specialized knowledge in everything related to locks and access control. They are certified in the installation, removal, repair and disassembly of locks, ignition cylinders, doors and.

Many people in this kind of situation will attempt to save money by calling their dealership to make a new set of keys but this is usually a bad idea. Most dealerships will charge you much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it could take a while to obtain your keys.

You can find a locksmith in an emergency and have them decode your lock or design an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock so that they can make a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and then program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.

If you have an transponder key locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle. They will then make use of a special device to reprogram the computer in your car ignition lock to communicate with the new key. This is known as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Transponder keys are utilized in a majority of automobiles nowadays. They use a small plastic key with a computer-chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key could be damaged by heat, water and battery problems, as well as other factors that cause it not function properly. In this instance you'll need to replace the key and Ignition lock jammed reprogram the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled will be able create an appropriate key ignition replacement that will work in the future.