Lost Ignition Key? Here’s What to Do
It is important to check all the places where you may have seen your ignition keys. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing a traditional car key is easy and cost-effective. Locksmiths can create a new key right away without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced, such as transponder, smart keys or switchblade will require roadside assistance.
1. Check the ignition and key replacement
There are many reasons the car key won’t turn in the ignition. The first thing is that it may wear out. Over time the pins in the cylinder can wear down and prevent it from turning. This is the primary reason why people aren’t able to start their vehicles.
A dead battery in the key fob might need to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be done at your home. Buy new batteries for the key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch is an electronic component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch will not start the car; it allows the engine to start.
If you own a standard ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is placed into a plastic head or cylinder, within the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes tumblers in a precise order and then closes an ignition circuit, which will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.
Modern cars use a different system to prevent car theft that utilizes an electronic chip embedded in the head of the key. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a key with transponder in your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car’s antenna. This unique code lets the computer in the engine to turn on the starter motor.
If your car has 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 available to be prepared in the event of. Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe that will aid you in starting your car in the event that the key with 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 in the event of a mishap, which leads to an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can follow to avoid anxiety and panic back to your keys.
You might think that keys that were traditionally used are a thing of the past but they’re still can be purchased from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which secure the door and ignition and start the car when turned. You can also make use of these keys to open your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the least expensive to replace and your locksmith is likely cut a key while you are waiting.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings that have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock the car (and in some cases, to activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys. Fobs can be reprogrammed by your local locksmith however 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 hurry or distracted. It might not be a big deal when you forgot keys in your seat when you took a taxi, subway or bus, or a ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you have them stolen at home or at work, you could put your family and possessions in danger.
If you have a spare key, try that first. You may find it in your bag or house. It is worth a quick glance. Also, think about retracing your steps from where you left your vehicle to your workplace or home.
Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database won’t result in an appropriate key. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks changed to the original key cuts whenever it is possible.
3. Check the door locks
If you’re having difficulty getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door G28Carkeys locks. The door locks may be locked or unlocked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, you should have a spare key that was included with the vehicle. Keys are often kept 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 door locks or ignition switch.
The battery could be dead If the key fob functions but it isn’t turning on the ignition. It is necessary to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogram the device if needed.
Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside the lock or the ignition cylinder. This can make it difficult to start the ignition since the wafers that make up the key aren’t properly engaged.
Another issue that is common to the car key is that it may switch off and on when it’s in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent problems.
When people try to start their vehicle, they usually grab the wrong key from their key ring or table. This can cause problems because some keys look very similar, and you may be accidentally inserting the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.
This is a quick fix you can perform at home: simply clean the key using an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances off the surface of your key that may hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.
If you’re still having issues take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase your chances of locating someone to replace your car key. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It’s also on a panel above the driver’s chair, on the back of the engine block or in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Call a Locksmith
Being locked out of your car can be a scary situation, especially in the dark of night. If you’re not sure where your keys went or if your keys are lost or stolen, the best thing to do is call locksmiths to unlock your door.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are certified to install, remove, fix and take apart doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.
Most people who find themselves in this position try to save money and then call their car dealership for the new set. This is usually not a good idea. The majority of dealerships charge more than other car parts shops or shops, and it can take a long time to get the keys you need.
You can also contact a locksmith to decode your lock in the event of an emergency. They will then design an additional key for you. The locksmith will probably require your spare key to decode the lock, so they can create a brand new key for your car. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car’s system, which means it won’t be able to start until a new key is programmed to work with it.
The locksmith must access your vehicle to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This process is called “key fob replacement” or “all key lost”.
Transponder keys are found in most cars today. They utilize a tiny plastic key with a computer-chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip inside the key can be damaged by heat, water, battery problems, or other reasons that make it malfunction. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the whole key and the vehicle’s computer has to be changed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is experienced will be able create a key for you that will function in the future.
