Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost your ignition key, it's vital to check all the places you may have seen it. Retrace your footsteps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing a traditional car key is easy and inexpensive. Locksmiths can create an entirely new key in a matter of minutes without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced, such as transponder, smart keys or switchblade will require assistance from a roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are many reasons your car key won't turn on in the ignition. The first reason is that it might wear out. As time passes the pins inside the cylinder may wear out, preventing it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren't able to start their cars.

Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and can be accomplished at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and check whether it works in your car.

It could be that your ignition switch is suffering from malfunction. The ignition switch is an electrical device that provides power to specific components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not start the car; it is only a means for the engine to be started.

If you own a standard ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is inserted into a plastic head, or cylinder, within your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key into your ignition, it presses the tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit, which will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars employ a different system to prevent car theft that utilizes an electronic chip built into the head of the key. They are also referred to as transponder key. When you insert a key equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code lets the engine's computer turn on the starter motor.

If your car uses transponder keys, there is no way to start it if the key fob battery fails. It is always a good idea to have an extra car key in your possession just in case. Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your car if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are usually lost when you're in a hurry or doing something that demands your attention. If you're not careful they are easily lost which can lead to stress. There are steps you can follow to avoid stress and anxiety back to your keys.

You may think that keys that were traditionally used are outdated but they're actually can be purchased from your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are keys that lock the ignition and door and start the car when turned. You can also use them to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the least expensive to replace, and your local locksmith is likely to cut one while you are waiting.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are plastic casings that include buttons that allow you to lock and unlock the car (and in some cases, even activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices have keys that are actually made. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.

We've all made the mistake of putting our keys in the wrong place when we're in a hurry or distracted. It's probably not an issue if you left keys in your seat if you took a subway, taxi, bus or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you do lose them at home or at work, you could put your possessions and your family members in danger.

If you have a spare key, test it first. You might find it in your home or bag. It's worth a quick glance. Consider retracing the steps you took from where you parked your vehicle until your workplace or home.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been altered or rekeyed and rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't generate a new key that works. 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 experiencing difficulty getting your car started, it could be a problem with the door locks. They could be unsecured or locked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you must have a backup key that came with your vehicle. These keys are often hidden in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to open the vehicle. You could also try an instrument like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car ignition lock without causing damage to the door locks 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 reprogram the device if needed.

Over time, the edges of car keys may wear away and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. The wafers on the keys might not be engaged properly making it difficult to turn the ignition.

Another common issue with the car key is that it can sometimes switch on and off while it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.

It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly pick the wrong key off their table or ring when they're trying to start their car. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar, and you may have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

It is possible to fix this issue at home using a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of your key that could stop it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.

If you're still having issues, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting an locksmith. This will give you a greater chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car ignition lock keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's seat, on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.

4. Contact a locksmith

It's terrifying to be locked out of your car particularly at the dark. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen, it is best to contact a locksmith.

Locksmiths are professional contractor who has specialized skills in all aspects of locks and access control. They are certified to install, uninstall or repair and dismantle doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.

The majority of people in this position try to save money and call their car dealership for an upgrade. This is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge more than other shops or car parts stores, and it might take a while to obtain your keys.

You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your lock in the event of an emergency. They can then create new keys for you. The locksmith will most likely need to use your spare key to decode the lock, and they can create a brand new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key off the car system, which means it can't start unless the new key is programmed to work with it.

If you own a transponder key locksmiths will require to gain access to your vehicle, and then employ a specific device to reprogram your car's computer to connect with the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Transponder keys are found in a majority of automobiles today. They utilize a tiny plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip could be damaged by heat, water, battery issues or any other cause. In this case you'll have to replace the key and re-program the vehicle's computer to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled can create an appropriate key that will function in the future.