Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you've lost the ignition key, you need to check all the places you could have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car key is simple and affordable. A locksmith can make an entirely new car key without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced, such as a transponder, smart key or switchblade will require assistance from a roadside.
1. Check the ignition
There are many reasons that could cause your car key to not to turn on the ignition. The most important thing is that it may wear out. As time passes, the pins inside of the cylinder may wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the main cause of people not being able to start their car.
A dead battery on the key fob might need to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be completed at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.
It is possible that your ignition switch has a fault. The ignition switch is a part that powers certain components upon inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch will not start the vehicle; it allows the engine to start.
If you own an ordinary ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is fitted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the ignition key, it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes the ignition circuit. Then, it will supply the starter motor with power to allow the engine to start.
Modern cars have an electronic chip that is embedded in the key head to stop car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a lock 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 key it is impossible to start it if the key fob battery fails. It is always a good idea to have a spare car key on hand, just in case. Many automakers 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 are usually lost when you're in a hurry or are doing something that demands your attention. They can be easily lost when you're not paying attention, which leads to a stressful situation when it occurs. There are ways you can go from frustration and panic to locating your keys once more.
It's possible to think that traditional keys are a thing of the past but they're still available to purchase from your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are keys that secure your door and ignition, and also start the engine when you turn it. You can also make use of these keys to open the trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the least expensive to replace and your locksmith will be able to cut one while you wait.
Key fobs were introduced in the early 1990s and are made of plastic casings with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car (and in certain instances activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We've all been guilty of leaving keys in the car when we're in a hurry or distracted. It's probably not a big deal even if you put keys in your seat if you took an Uber, cab or bus, or even a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at home or at work, you could put your possessions and your family members in danger.
Start by looking for your spare key. It could be hidden in your house or your bag, so it is worth a quick search. Also, consider retracing your steps from where you left the vehicle to your workplace or home.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database won't result in keys that work. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
If you're having trouble starting your car, there could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks might be locked or unlocked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you should have a spare backup key that came with the car. Keys are often hidden in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also use a device such as a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without causing damage the ignition switch or door locks.
The battery could be dead if the key fob works but isn't able to turn on the ignition. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the batteries inside the key fob and reprogramme it if required.
Over time, the edges of car keys can wear away and break off in the ignition lock or cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers inside the key aren't fully engaged.
Another common issue with car keys is that it might switch on and off while it's in the ignition. This is due to the fact that the internal components are wearing out and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.
When people try to start their car, they often take the wrong key by mistake from their key ring or table. auto locksmith ignition replacement could be a challenge since some keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
You can fix this issue at home with a simple cotton swab 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 take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting locksmith. This will give you a greater chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel located above the driver's seat, on the engine block's back, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.
4. Contact an expert locksmith
It's scary to be locked out of your vehicle particularly at night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they've been stolen or lost you should call a locksmith.
A locksmith is an expert contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, uninstall and repair doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.
A lot of people in this kind of situation will try to save money by calling their dealership to get an entirely new set of keys, but this is usually a bad idea. 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 find locksmiths in times of need and ask them to decode your lock or design a new one for you. The locksmith will most likely need to use your spare key to decode the lock, which means they can create a new key for your car. The locksmith will erase the old key off the car system, which means it won't be able to start until it is programmed to work with it.
If you have a transponder key locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle, then make use of a special device to re-program the computer in your car to communicate to the new key. This is known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Transponder keys are found in the majority of cars today. They are a small plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key can be damaged by heat, water battery issues, or other factors that cause it stop working properly. In this instance you'll have to replace the key and then re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A good locksmith on the move can do this for you and create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.