Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost your ignition key, it's vital to look for all places you may 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 simple and affordable. A locksmith can create the new key immediately without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology like a smart key, transponder or switchblade, will require assistance from a roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are many factors that could cause your car keys not to turn on the ignition. The first thing is that it could be worn out. As time passes the pins in the cylinder will wear out, which will prevent it from turning. This is the main reason why people aren't able to start their car.

Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is an easy fix that is done at home. Just purchase new batteries for your key fob and check if it works in your car.

It could be that your ignition switch may have malfunction. The ignition switch is an electrical component that supplies power to certain components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch does not start the car; it only allows the engine to be started.

When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes a set of tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it forces tumblers in a specific arrangement and then closes the ignition circuit. This then supplies the starter motor with power so that the engine can begin.

Modern cars use a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip built into the key head. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder key. When you insert a key with transponder inside your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code lets the engine's computer start the starter motor.

If your car uses a transponder key it is impossible to start it in the event that the battery for the key fob fails. It is always a smart idea to have a spare car key on hand, just in case. Many automakers have a failsafe that will help you start your vehicle if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

When you are in a hurry or doing something else that requires your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. They are easily lost if you're not careful and result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can take to avoid stress and anxiety back to your keys.

It is possible to think that traditional keys are outdated, but they are still accessible from your local auto locksmith ignition replacement dealer or locksmith. These are standard keys that secure your ignition and door, and also start the engine when turned. They can also be used to open a trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the most affordable to replace and your local locksmith should be able to cut one while you wait.

Key fobs were first introduced in the late '90s, and they are plastic casings with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle (and in some cases they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys. The local locksmith in your area can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip 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 another ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft you may not have been a big issue if your keys were left in your seat. If you are unable to locate them at work or home it could put your family's belongings and personal belongings in danger.

If you have an extra key, you can test it first. You may find it in your home or bag. It is worth a quick glance. Also, consider going back to where you left the vehicle to your place of work or residence.

Another option 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 a key that will work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that new automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut as often as is feasible.

3. Check the Door Locks

You could have a problem with your door locks if you are having difficulty starting your vehicle. The door locks might be locked or opened by using the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, you should have a spare key that was included with the vehicle. Keys are often hidden in the key fob, or as a separate backup that you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also use a device such as a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob works, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be because the battery has died. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob, and then reprogram the device, if necessary.

Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside 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 engaged properly.

A car key may sometimes turn on or off while in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems.

It's not uncommon for people to grab the wrong key from their table or their key ring when they're trying to start the car. This can cause problems because some keys look very similar and you might be putting the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

This is a quick fix that you can make at home: simply wipe down the key with an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign materials off the surface of your key, which could stop it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.

If you're having difficulty it is recommended that you write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling a locksmith. This increases the chances of locating someone to replace your car key. The VIN is typically located on your insurance card however, it's also found in other places on the vehicle itself, such as on a panel just above the driver's seat, 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

Being locked out of your vehicle is an extremely stressful situation, particularly on a dark night. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they have been stolen or lost it is recommended to call a locksmith.

A locksmith is a skilled contractor who is skilled in all things related to locks and access control. They are educated in the installation as well as the removal, repair and disassembly of locks, ignition cylinders and doors.

Most people who find themselves in this situation try to save money by calling their dealership to get an upgrade. This is usually an unwise choice. Dealerships typically charge more than other car parts stores or shops, and it can take a long time to get the keys you need.

It is possible to find locksmiths in the event of an emergency and ask them to unlock your lock or make the new one for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith will probably only need to use it to decode the lock, so they can create a brand new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car's system, which means it can't start unless the new key is programmed to work with it.

The locksmith will need to enter your vehicle in order to reprogram the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This process is called "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".

The majority of cars today come with transponder keys, which use small heads of plastic that have a computer chip to communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip inside the key can be damaged by heat, water and battery problems, as well as other factors that cause it stop working properly. If this happens, you'll have to replace the entire key and the car's computer needs to be reprogrammed to accept it. A reliable mobile locksmith will be able to accomplish this for you and make an appropriate key that will function well in the future.