Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It is crucial to examine all places you may have seen your ignition key. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing last time you recall seeing the keys.

Replacing a car key that is old-fashioned is easy and cost-effective. Locksmiths can make a new key right away without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key such as a switchblade, transponder, or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.

1. Check the ignition key won't Turn

There are many reasons the car key won't engage in the ignition. The most important thing is that it could be worn out. As time passes the pins within the cylinder may wear out and stop it from turning. This is the most common reason why people are unable to start their car.

Another possibility is that the key fob has a dead battery and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it's an easy fix that can be done at home. Purchase a new key fob battery and check if it works with your car.

It could also be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is an electrical component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not actually start the vehicle, it is only a means for the engine to be started.

If you own an ignition key that is standard, it has a metal shaft that is inserted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn your ignition key, it forces tumblers in a specific arrangement and then closes the circuit for ignition. This then supplies power to the starter motor so that the engine can start.

Modern cars employ a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip embedded in the key head. These keys are also known 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 start the starter motor.

If your car uses a transponder key it is impossible to start it in the event that the battery for the key fob is dead. This is the reason it is always a good idea to keep an extra key on hand just in the event of a problem! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can assist you in starting your vehicle if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are typically lost when you're in a hurry or performing something that requires your attention. If you're not careful they could easily get lost, leading to an unsettling situation. There are steps you can take to avoid anxiety and panic back to your keys.

You might think that keys like the old-fashioned ones are a thing of the past but they're still around and can be purchased from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys that lock your ignition and door, and then start the engine once you turn. You can also use them to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are the most affordable and easy to replace. A locksmith at your local can cut you one while you sit.

In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are plastic casings with buttons to lock and unlock the car (and, in some cases, activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys that are tucked inside. Fobs can be reprogrammed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and a transmitter have been added to the key.

Most of us have had the misfortune of not having our keys when stressed or distracted. It might not be a big deal when you forgot them in your seat if you took an Uber, cab or bus, or even a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. If you have them stolen at work or home, you could put your family and possessions in danger.

Try your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your house or your bag, so it is worth an initial search. You might want to retrace the steps you took from where you parked your car to your home or workplace.

Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. However, if your locks have been modified or replaced or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't generate a new key that works. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed according to the original key cut whenever it is possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

You may have an issue with the door locks if you are having difficulty getting your car started. The door locks might be locked or unlocked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a backup key that was included with the vehicle. Keys are often hidden in the key fob, or as a separate backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also use a device such as the Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without causing damage the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob works, but it won't turn the ignition, it could be due to the fact that the battery is dead. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries on the key fob and re-programme it if needed.

Over time, car keys wear down and their edges can break off in 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.

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

It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly grab the wrong key from their table or their key ring while trying to get their car started. It could be a challenge since some keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a simple fix that you can do at home: simply wipe down the key with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of your key, which could prevent it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you are still having trouble take 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 will usually be located on your insurance card but it's also located in other places on the vehicle itself, including 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 an expert locksmith

Being locked out of your car can be an extremely stressful situation, particularly on a dark night. If you're not sure where your keys went, or if your keys are lost or stolen, the best thing to do is contact locksmiths to unlock your door.

Locksmiths are professional contractor who is skilled in all aspects of locks and entry access. They are certified to install, uninstall and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Many people who find themselves in this kind of situation attempt to save money by calling their dealership to get the new set. This is typically not a good idea. The majority of dealerships will charge more than other shops or car parts stores, and it might take a while to get your keys.

You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in an emergency. They will then design an additional key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will likely require it to decode the lock so that they can make a new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car system, meaning it will not be able to start the car until a new key is programmed to work with it.

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

The majority of cars today have transponder keys that use small heads of plastic that have an electronic chip that communicates with the car's immobilizer. The chip inside the key may be damaged by water, heat battery issues, or other reasons that make it not function properly. In this instance, you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the vehicle's computer to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is experienced can create a key for you that will function in the future.