Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you've lost the ignition key, it's vital to look for all places you may have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car keys is simple and affordable. Locksmiths can make an entirely new key in a matter of minutes without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology, such as a transponder, smart key or switchblade will require assistance from a roadside.
1. Check the Ignition
There are a few different reasons that could cause your car key to not to turn in the ignition. First, it could be worn. Over time, the pins in the cylinder may become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the primary cause of people not being in a position to start their vehicle.
Another possibility is that the key fob is an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. This is a straightforward fix that you can do at your home. Purchase a new key fob battery and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.
Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch is an electrical component that supplies power to certain components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that will start the car, it is only the one that allows the engine to start.
If you have a standard ignition key with a metal shaft that is fitted into a plastic head or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn your ignition key, it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. Then, it will supply the starter motor with power for the engine to start.
Modern cars employ a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip embedded in the head of the key. They are also referred to 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 unique code lets the engine's computer turn on the starter motor.
If your car has a transponder key that is not a transponder key, it will be impossible to start it if the key fob battery is dead. It is always a good idea to keep an extra car key in your possession, just in case. However, many auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature to get your car started in the event that the key with the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys are usually lost when you're in a rush or performing something that requires your attention. If you're not careful they are easily lost, leading to stress. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get from panic and frustration to finding your keys again.
You might think that keys like the old-fashioned ones are a thing of the past but they're still available to purchase from your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are keys that lock your ignition and door, and then start the engine when you turn it. You can also use them to open a trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the least expensive to replace and your locksmith will be able to cut one while you are waiting.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings that have buttons to lock and unlock the car (and, in some cases, even activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices include keys that are actually made. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We've all been guilty of leaving our keys behind when we're in a rush or distracted. If you were in a taxi or a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft you could not have been an problem if the keys were left on your seat. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you may put your belongings and your family members in danger.
Try your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your home or in your bag, so it's worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the point you parked your vehicle until your workplace or home.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. However, if your locks have been changed or replaced, running your VIN number through the key database won't produce an entirely new 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
If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door locks. They could be unsecured or locked with the key inside. If G28 Car Keys 've lost your car keys, you should have a backup key that came with your vehicle. Keys are often stored in the key fob, or as a separate backup that you can use to open the vehicle. You could also try a tool such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without damaging the locks on your doors or ignition switch.
The battery might be dead if the key fob works but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace the batteries in the keyfob, and then reprogram the device, if necessary.
Over time, car key edges can wear away and break off in the lock or cylinder of ignition. The wafers on the key might not be engaged properly which makes it difficult to turn the ignition.
A car key may sometimes turn on or off when it is in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing down and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.
When people are trying to start their car, they often take the wrong key by mistake from their key table or ring. It could be a challenge because certain keys are similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
This is a simple fix that you can do at home: just clean the key using an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of your key that may hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.
If you're still having issues take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting an locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can help you replace your car keys. Your VIN is usually located on your insurance card but it's also located in various other locations on the vehicle itself, including on a panel that is 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 and windshield washer.
4. Call an expert locksmith
Being locked out of your car is terrifying, especially on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen, it is best to call a locksmith.
Locksmiths are skilled contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are trained to install, uninstall and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.
Many people who find themselves in this position try to save money and then call their dealership to get the new set. This is usually not a good idea. The majority of dealerships charge more than other car parts stores or shops and it could take a long time to get the keys you need.
It is possible to find a locksmith in an emergency and let them unlock your lock or make an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will probably 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 from the car system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it.
The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle to program the computer of the car to accept the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
Most 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 could be damaged by water, heat and battery problems, as well as other factors that cause it to stop working properly. In this situation you'll need to replace the key and re-program the car's computer to accept it. A reputable mobile locksmith will be able to accomplish this for you, and also create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.