Lost Ignition Key? Here’s What to Do
It’s important to look in all places you may have seen your ignition keys. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing the last time you saw the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car key is easy and inexpensive. A locksmith can make an entirely new car key without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, such as the switchblade, transponder or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.
1. Check the Ignition
There are several reasons why your car key won’t turn in the ignition. The first reason is that it could be worn out. Over time the pins in the cylinder may wear out, which will prevent it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren’t able to start their vehicles.
Another possibility is that the key fob has an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. This is a straightforward fix that can be completed at your home. Purchase a new battery for your key fob and check whether it works in your car.
Lastly, it may be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is a component that provides power to certain components after inserting your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch does not start the car; it is only a means for the engine to start.
When you turn the key in your ignition it forces tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the ignition key, it presses tumblers into an exact arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. This then supplies the starter motor with power to allow the engine to start.
Modern cars employ 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 key ignition replacement. When you insert a key with transponder inside your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car’s antenna. This unique code will activate the engine’s computer, allowing the starter motor to turn over.
If your car has transponder keys it is impossible to start it in the event that the battery for the key fob is dead. This is the reason it is always recommended to keep an extra key in your car just in case! However, most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature to ensure that your car is started if the key with the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys usually get lost when you’re in a hurry or performing something that requires your attention. They can be easily lost in the event of a mishap, which leads to a stressful situation when it occurs. Fortunately, there are ways to go from frustration and panic to find your keys again.
You might think traditional keys are obsolete however, they are available at your local auto locksmith ignition replacement dealer or automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure your door and ignition, and also start the engine when you turn it. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the cheapest to replace, and your local locksmith will be able to cut one while you sit.
In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are plastic casings with buttons for locking and unlocking the car (and, in some cases, even activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys that are tucked inside. Fobs can be programmed by a locksmith in your area however only after a new transponder chip and a transmitter have been added to the key.
We’ve all been guilty of forgetting our keys while in a rush or distracted. It might not be an issue if you left keys in your car when you took a taxi, subway or bus, or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you could put your family and belongings in danger.
Try your spare key first. It may be hidden in your home or bag, making it worth doing a quick search. You might want to retrace the steps 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 changed, running your VIN through the key database will not produce an appropriate key. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks re-keyed to the original key cuts whenever possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
You may have problems with your door locks if you have trouble getting your vehicle started. The door locks might be locked or open with the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, you should have a spare key that came along with the vehicle. The keys are usually stored in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You could also use a tool like the Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.
The battery could be dead if the key fob works but won’t turn on the ignition. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the batteries in the key fob and re-programme it if needed.
Over time, car key edges wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. This can make it difficult for you to turn the ignition as the wafers inside the key aren’t engaged properly.
A car key may sometimes turn on or off when in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are wearing out, causing intermittent problems.
It’s not uncommon for people to grab the wrong key from their table or ring when they’re trying to get their car started. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar and you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.
It is possible to fix this issue at home with a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of the key that can stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If you’re still having issues, write down your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase your chances of locating someone to replace your car key. The VIN will usually be located on your insurance card however, it’s also in other places on the vehicle, such as on a panel that is 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 washer and the windshield.
4. Call a locksmith
It’s scary to be locked out of your vehicle particularly at night. If you don’t know where your keys are or if they’ve been lost or stolen, it is best to call a locksmith.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, remove or repair and dismantle doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.
The majority of people in this kind of situation attempt to save money and call their local dealership to request a new set. This is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships charge more than other parts shops or shops, and it could take an extended time to obtain the keys you need.
You can also call a locksmith to decode your lock in the event of an emergency. They can then create an additional key for you. The locksmith will probably require the spare key to decode the lock, and they can make a new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.
The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle in order to program the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This procedure is referred to as “key fob replacement” or “all key lost”.
Today, most cars have transponder keys that use tiny plastic heads with an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer of the car. The chip may be damaged due to heat, water, battery issues, or any other reason. If this happens, you will need to replace the whole key and the vehicle’s computer has to be changed to accept it. A reliable locksmith mobile will be able to accomplish this for you and create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.
