Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you lost the ignition key, you need to look for all places you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing a car key is easy and affordable. Locksmiths can make an entirely new key in a matter of minutes without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology like transponder, smart keys or switchblade, will require roadside assistance.
1. Check the ignition
There are many reasons that could cause your car keys not to turn on the ignition. The first thing is that it might wear out. Over time the pins in the cylinder can wear down and prevent it from turning. This is the main reason why people aren't in a position to start their vehicle.
A dead battery inside the key fob might require replacement. This is a simple fix that you can do at home. Buy new batteries for the key fob and verify that it is compatible with your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is an electrical component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that actually starts the car, it is only the one that allows the engine to start.
When you turn the key in your ignition it forces tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes a set of tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes the circuit for ignition, which will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.
Modern cars use a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder key. When you place a key that has a transponder in the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will allow the computer in the engine to start the starter motor.
If your car is equipped with a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob dies. It's always a good idea to have a spare car key in your possession just in case. However, car ignition replacement of auto makers build in a failsafe to ensure that your car is started if the key with the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys are typically lost when you're in a rush or are doing something that demands your attention. If you're not careful, they are easily lost, leading to a stressful situation. There are steps you can follow to get from frustration and panic back to your keys.
You may think that traditional keys are no longer needed however, they are accessible from your local auto dealer or locksmith. These are standard keys which secure the door and ignition and start the car when you turn it. You can also use them to unlock your trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are the cheapest and most common to replace. Your local locksmith can cut you one while you sit.
Key fobs first came into use in the early 1990s They are made of made of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car (and in certain instances, set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs, but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We have all been guilty of putting our keys in the wrong place 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 they were left on the seat. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you could put your belongings and your family members in danger.
Try your spare key first. You might find it in your home or bag. It is worth a quick search. Consider retracing the steps you took from where you parked your vehicle to your home or workplace.
Another alternative 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 keys that work. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks re-keyed to the original key cuts whenever possible.
3. Check the door locks
If you're having difficulty getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door locks. They may be open or locked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, it is recommended to have a spare backup key that came with your vehicle. The keys are located in the key fob or as a backup that you can use to open your vehicle. You can also try tools such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the locks on your doors or the ignition switch.
The battery may be dead If the key fob functions but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if required.
Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break in the lock or the ignition cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers in the key aren't fully engaged.
A car key may occasionally switch on and off while in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing down and causing intermittent issues with the ignition switch.
When people are trying to start their car, they typically pick the wrong key by mistake from their key table or ring. It could be a challenge since some keys are alike and you might accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
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 material from the surface of your key that may hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.
If you're still having issues make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of finding someone who can replace your car key. Your VIN is usually located on your insurance card but it's also located in various other locations on the vehicle, such as on a panel above the driver's seat or 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. Contact a locksmith
Being locked out of your vehicle is an extremely stressful situation, particularly on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they have been lost or stolen you should call a locksmith.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained in the installation as well as the removal, repair and disassembly of locks, ignition cylinders, doors and.
Many people who find themselves in this position try to save money and then call their local dealership to request an upgrade. This is typically not a good idea. Most dealerships will charge you more than other shops or parts stores, and it could take a while to get your keys.
You can find locksmiths in times of need and have them decode your lock or design the new one for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock so that they can create a brand new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key and then program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.
If you have a transponder key locksmiths will require to gain access to your vehicle, and then use a special device to reprogram your car's computer to connect to the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Today, most cars come with transponder keys, which use tiny plastic heads with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip in the key may be damaged by water, heat battery issues, or other factors that cause it malfunction. In this situation, you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the car's computer to accept it. A reliable locksmith mobile will be able to accomplish this for you and create keys that work well in the future.