Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
It's important to look in all places you might have seen your ignition key. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing a traditional car key is easy and affordable. 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 assistance from a roadside.
1. Check the Ignition
There are many factors that could cause your car keys not to turn the ignition. The first reason is that it might wear out. Over time, the pins inside of the cylinder can wear down and stop it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren't able to start their vehicles.
A dead battery in the key fob may also need to be replaced. If this is the case, it's a simple fix and is done at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and check if it works in your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is a component that powers certain components upon inserting your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch does not actually start the vehicle, it only allows the engine to be started.
When you turn the key in your ignition it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the ignition key, it presses tumblers into a precise arrangement, and then shuts off the circuit for ignition. Then, it will supply power to the starter motor for the engine to begin.
Modern cars are equipped with an electronic chip that is embedded inside the key head to guard against theft of cars. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder keys. When you place a key with a transponder into 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 turn over.
If your car is equipped with a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery on the key fob goes out. This is the reason it is always a good idea to keep a spare key with you just in the event of a problem! However, most auto manufacturers build in a failsafe to ensure that your car is started in the event that the key with the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
If you're in a hurry or doing something other thing that requires your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. If you're not careful they could easily get lost, leading to a stressful situation. There are steps you can follow to avoid frustration and panic back to your keys.
You may think that traditional keys are obsolete, but they are still accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which secure the door and ignition and then start the car when you turn it. They can also be used to unlock a trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the cheapest to replace, and your local locksmith will be able cut a key while you wait.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings that have buttons to lock and unlock the car (and, in some cases, activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices include keys that are actually made. Your local automotive locksmith can reprogram fobs but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We've all been guilty of leaving our keys behind when we're in a hurry or distracted. It's probably not an issue even if you put keys in your car if you took an Uber, cab or bus, or even a ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you do lose them at home, or at work, you may put your belongings and your family in danger.
If you have a spare key, test it first. You might find it in your home or bag. It is worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the place you parked your car to your home or workplace.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been changed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't produce an original key that functions. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends having replacement automotive locks replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever it is possible.
3. Check the door locks
You may have problems with your door locks if have trouble getting your car started. They may be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a backup key that was included with the vehicle. The keys are usually stored in the key fob, or as a separate backup that you can use to open the vehicle. You can also use a tool such as a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.
If the key fob is functioning, but it won't turn the ignition, it could be due to the fact that the battery is dead. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if needed.
Over time, the edges of car keys can wear away and break off in the lock or cylinder of ignition. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers that make up the key aren't engaged properly.
Another common issue with car keys is that it may turn on and off when it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.
When people are trying to start their vehicle, they usually pick the wrong key by mistake from their key ring or table. This could be a problem since some keys are alike and you might 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, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If auto ignition key replacement having difficulty, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting an locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat, on the engine block's back or in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Call for a locksmith
Being locked out of your car can be terrifying, especially in the dark of night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen you should contact a locksmith.
A locksmith is an expert contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are certified in the installation, removal, repair and disassembly of locks ignition cylinders, doors and.
The majority of people in this situation try to save money by calling their dealership to get a new set. This is typically not a good idea. Most dealerships charge a lot more than other car parts stores or shops and it could take an extended time to obtain the keys you require.
You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in case of emergency. They will then design new keys for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will likely require it to decode the lock so that they can create a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key off the car system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it.
The locksmith will need to access your vehicle to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This process is called "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".
The majority of cars today come with transponder keys, which use small heads of plastic that have an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip inside the key may be damaged by water, heat, battery problems, or other factors that cause it to stop working properly. In this situation, you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A good locksmith mobile can do this for you and make keys that work well in the future.