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. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing the traditional car key is easy and affordable. A locksmith can make an original car key, without the original. However, a technologically advanced key like a transponder, switchblade, or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.

1. Check the Ignition

There are several reasons that could cause your car key to not to turn in the ignition. The first is that it may be worn. As time passes the pins in the cylinder will wear out, which will prevent it from turning. This is the primary reason for people not being capable of starting their car.

A dead battery on the key fob could need to be replaced. This is a straightforward fix that you can do at home. Simply buy a new battery for your key fob and check if it works in your car.

It could be that your ignition switch may have a fault. The ignition switch is an electrical device that provides power to specific components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that starts the car, it is only the one that allows the engine to start.

If you own an ordinary ignition key with a metal shaft that is fitted into a head made of plastic, lost Ignition key or cylinder, within your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key in your ignition, it forces the tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit that will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars use a different system to protect against theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. These keys are also known as transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder into the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will trigger the engine's computer to allow the starter motor to rotate.

If your car uses transponder keys it is impossible to start it if the key fob battery dies. This is why it's always a good idea to keep an extra key in your car, just in case! However, the majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature to help get your car started if the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

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

You may think that keys that were traditionally used are an old fashion thing, but they're still are available for purchase at your auto locksmith ignition replacement dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are keys that lock the ignition and door and allow the car to start when you turn it. They can also be used to open a trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the cheapest to replace, and your local locksmith should be able to cut one while you are waiting.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings that include buttons for locking and unlocking the car (and in some cases, even activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices include keys that are actually made. Fobs can be programmed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and the transmitter have been added to the key.

We have all been guilty of leaving keys in the car 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 could not have been a big issue if they were left on your seat. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you could put your family and possessions in danger.

Start by looking for your spare key. It may be hidden in your house or your bag, so it's worth a quick search. Also, consider returning to the place you left your vehicle to your workplace or home.

Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. However, if your locks have been changed or rekeyed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't create an entirely new key that functions. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks re-keyed to the original key cuts as often as is possible.

3. Check the door locks

If you're having trouble getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks might be locked or opened with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you must have a spare backup key that came with the car. These keys are often kept in the key fob, or as a separate backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also try using a tool like the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without damaging the door locks or the ignition switch.

The battery could be dead If the key fob functions but won't turn on the ignition. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the batteries in the key fob and reprogram it if necessary.

Over time, car keys wear down and their edges can break in the lock or ignition cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers in the key aren't engaged properly.

A car ignition lock key may sometimes turn on or off while in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.

When people are trying to start their car, they often pick the wrong key from their key ring or table. It could be a challenge since some keys are alike and you might accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a simple fix that you can make at home: just clean the key using the help of a cotton swab and ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances off the surface of your key that may stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking 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 chances of finding someone who can replace your car keys. The VIN will usually be on your insurance card, but it's also located in various other locations on the vehicle itself, such as on a panel that is above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block, in the trunk or the door jamb, and on the frame between the carburetor and the windshield washer.

4. Call a locksmith

Being locked out of your vehicle is a scary situation, especially on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they've been stolen or lost it is recommended to call a locksmith.

Locksmiths are professional contractor who is skilled in everything related to locks and access control. They are certified to install, remove or repair and dismantle doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Most people who find themselves in this kind of situation attempt to save money and call their local dealership to request a new set. This is usually a bad decision. Most dealerships will charge you much more than other shops or parts stores, and it may take a while to get your keys.

You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your lock in an emergency. They can then create a new key for you. The locksmith will likely only require your spare key to decode the lock, which means they can make a new key for your car. The locksmith will erase the old key from the car system, which means it won't be able to start until the new key is programmed to work with it.

If you have a transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain access to your vehicle, and then make use of a special device to reprogram the car's computer to be able to connect with the new key. This procedure is referred to as "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".

The majority of cars today have transponder keys that use a small plastic head with a computer chip to communicate with the immobilizer of the car. The chip in the key may be damaged by heat, water, battery problems, or other factors that cause it to stop working properly. In this case, you'll need to replace the key and reprogram the car's computer to accept it. A reliable locksmith mobile can do this for you and create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.