Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you've lost the ignition key, you need to check all the places you might have seen it. Retrace your footsteps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing a car key is simple and cost-effective. Locksmiths can create an entirely new key in a matter of minutes without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced like a transponder, smart key or switchblade, will require roadside assistance.

1. Check the ignition

There are a few different factors that could cause your car key not to turn the ignition. The first thing is that it may wear out. As time passes, the pins in the cylinder could be worn out, preventing it from turning. This is the primary reason for people not being capable of starting their car.

Another possibility is that the key fob has an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. If this is the case, it's an easy fix that is done at home. Simply buy an additional battery for your key fob and see whether it works in your car.

Lastly, it may be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is an electronic component that supplies power to certain components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch does not start the vehicle; it only allows the engine to be started.

If you have a standard ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is inserted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, in the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the key on your ignition, it pushes a set of tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes the circuit for ignition, which will then supply power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.

Modern cars employ a different system to prevent car theft, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the head of the key. These keys are also known as transponder key. When you insert a key that has a transponder in the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This code is unique and will activate the engine's computer and allow the starter motor to rotate.

If your car is equipped with transponder technology, you will not be able to start it when the battery in the key fob fails. This is the reason it is always recommended to keep a spare key with you just in case! However, most auto manufacturers include a failsafe to ensure that your car is started if the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

When you are in a rush or doing something other thing that requires your attention, it's more likely that you'll lose your car keys. If you're not careful they are easily lost and cause a stressful situation. There are steps you can take to get from frustration and panic back to your keys.

It's possible to think that keys that were traditionally used are an old fashion thing, but they're still can be purchased from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys that lock your ignition and door and also start the engine when turned. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easy to replace. The locksmith in your neighborhood will cut you one while you sit.

Key fobs were introduced in the '90s, and Ignition Key repair they are plastic casings that have buttons that 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 tucked inside. The local locksmith in your area can reprogram fobs but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.

Most of us have had the misfortune of not having our keys while stressed or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft you might not have been a big issue if they were left on the seat. However, if you lose them at home or at work, you could put your belongings and your family's safety at risk.

If you have an extra key, take it out first. It could be hidden in your home or in your bag, so it is worth a quick search. You might want to retrace the steps you took from the place you parked your vehicle to your home or workplace.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. However, if your locks have been altered or replaced, running your VIN number through the key database will not generate an entirely new key that functions. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks changed to the original key cuts as often as is possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car started, it could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks may be locked or opened with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, it is recommended to have a backup key that came with the car. Keys are often stored in the key fob or as a separate backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also try using an instrument such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.

The battery may 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 on the key fob and re-programme it if needed.

Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside the lock or the ignition cylinder. The wafers that make up the key might not be fully engaged, making it difficult to turn the ignition.

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

It's not uncommon for people to take the wrong key off their table or their key ring when they're trying to start their car. It can be a problem because certain keys are similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a quick fix you can perform at home: just wipe down the key with a cotton swab and some ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.

If you're still having issues make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. The VIN is typically located on your insurance card however, it's also found in a few other places on the vehicle itself, including on a panel just 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 that runs between the carburetor washer and the windshield.

4. Call an expert locksmith

Being locked out of your car is a scary situation, especially in the dark of night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they have been lost or stolen it is recommended to contact a locksmith.

A locksmith is an expert contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are certified to install, uninstall, fix ignition switch and take apart doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Most people who find themselves in this kind of situation attempt to save money and then call their dealership to get an upgrade. This is typically an unwise choice. 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 require.

You can locate a locksmith in an emergency and ask them to unlock your lock or make an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock so that they can make a new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key and program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.

The locksmith must access your vehicle to program the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Most cars today have transponder keys that use a small plastic head with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip inside the key may be damaged by heat, water and battery problems, as well as other factors that cause it to stop working properly. If this happens, you will need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle needs to be reprogrammed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is experienced will be able to create keys for you that will work in the future.