Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you've lost the ignition key, it's important to check all the places you may have seen it. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing a car key that is old-fashioned is simple and affordable. Locksmiths can create an entirely new key in a matter of minutes without the original. However, a technologically advanced key such as a transponder, switchblade, or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.

1. Check the Ignition

There are many factors that could cause your car keys not to turn the ignition. The first thing is that it could be worn out. Over time the pins within the cylinder will wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the main cause of people not being in a position to start their vehicle.

Another possibility is that the key fob has an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. This is a straightforward fix that can be completed at home. Buy new batteries for the key fob and check if it works with your car.

It could be that your ignition switch may have a fault. The ignition switch is a component that powers certain components when you insert your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch does not actually start the vehicle, it is only a means for the engine to start.

When you turn the ignition key it forces a set of tumblers into an exact arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes a set of tumblers in a precise order and shuts off an ignition circuit, which will then provide power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.

Modern cars have a new system to protect against theft of cars using an electronic chip that is embedded into the head of the key. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder key. When you place a key with a transponder into the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will trigger the engine's computer and allow the starter motor to turn over.

If your car has transponder technology, you will not be able to start it when the battery in the key fob dies. This is the reason it is always recommended to keep an extra key on hand, just in case! Most auto locksmith ignition replacement manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your vehicle if the chip-encoded key is lost.

2. Check the Locks

If you're in a rush or doing something else that requires your attention, it's more likely that you'll lose your car keys. If you're not careful, they are easily lost, leading to stress. There are steps you can follow to get from stress and anxiety back to your keys.

You may think that keys that were traditionally used are outdated but they're still around and available to purchase from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which secure the door and ignition and allow the car to start when turned. They can also be used to open a trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the cheapest to replace and your local locksmith should be able to cut one while you are waiting.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings with 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 physical keys that are tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs, but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.

We have all been guilty of leaving keys in the car when we're in a hurry or distracted. It's not important even if you put keys in your seat in a subway, taxi, bus or 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.

Try your spare key first. It may be hidden in your home or bag, making it worth an initial search. Also, think about returning to the place you left your vehicle to get to your workplace or home.

Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been modified or changed and rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't create a new key that works. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends replacing automotive locks with keys that are re-keyed to the original key cuts whenever it is possible.

3. Check the door locks

If you're having difficulty starting your car, there could be a problem with the door locks. They could be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a spare key that was included with the vehicle. These keys are often kept in the key fob, or as a separate backup that you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also try a tool such as the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without damaging the door locks or the ignition switch.

If the key fob is functioning but it's not turning the ignition, it could be because the battery is dead. It is necessary to replace the batteries in the keyfob, and then reprogram the device, if necessary.

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

A car key can also sometimes turn on or off while in the ignition. This is due to the fact that the internal components are wearing down and causing intermittent issues with the ignition switch.

It's not common for people to grab the wrong key from their table or their key ring while trying to start the car. This could cause problems as keys that look identical and you could be putting the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.

This is a quick fix that you can do at home: just clean the key with an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign substance from the surface of the key that can hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you still have trouble make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This increases the chances of finding someone to replace your car key. The VIN is typically located on your insurance card but it's also located in other places on the vehicle, such as on a panel that is above the driver's seat, on the back of the engine block in the trunk, or the door jamb, and on the frame that runs between the carburetor and the windshield washer.

4. Contact a locksmith

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you don't know where your keys are or if they've been stolen or lost it is recommended to contact a locksmith.

Locksmiths are professional contractor who has specialized skills in all aspects of locks and access to. They are trained to install, uninstall or repair and dismantle doors locks, locks, and ignition and key replacement cylinders.

A lot of people in this kind of situation will attempt to save money by calling their car dealership to create a new set of keys however this is generally an unwise choice. Dealerships typically charge more than other car parts shops or shops, and it can take an extended time to obtain the keys you need.

Luckily, you can also find a locksmith in an emergency and ask them to decode your lock or design an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith will probably only require it to decode the lock, so they can make a new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and program a new one to start the vehicle.

If you own transponder keys the locksmith will require to gain entry into your vehicle, then make use of a special device to reprogram the car's computer to be able to connect to the new key. This is a process called "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Transponder keys are found in most cars nowadays. They utilize a tiny plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip may be damaged due to water, heat or battery problems, or any other reason. In this situation, you'll need 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 work in the future.

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