Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
It is crucial to examine every place you may have seen your ignition keys. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing the last time you recall seeing the keys.
Replacing a traditional car key is easy and affordable. Locksmiths can create an entirely new car key 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 several reasons why the car key won't turn in the ignition. It could be due to worn. Over time, the pins in the cylinder can be worn out, preventing it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren't able to start their car.
Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery that needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that you can do at your home. Purchase new batteries for the key fob and verify that it is compatible with your car.
In the end, it could be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is a part that powers certain components after inserting your car key in 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 own an ordinary ignition key that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is inserted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, in your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the ignition key, it presses tumblers into a precise arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. Then, it will supply power to the starter motor to allow the engine to start.
Modern cars use a different method to stop theft of cars that utilizes an electronic chip that is embedded into the head of the key. Keys with transponders are commonly called transponder keys. When you insert a key with a transponder into the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will allow the computer of the engine to turn on the starter motor.
If your car is equipped with transponder, you'll not be capable of starting it when the battery on the key fob goes out. This is why it's always a good idea to keep an extra key in your car, just in the event of a problem! Most auto manufacturers offer a failsafe to aid you in starting your car if the key with a chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
If you're in a rush or doing something other thing that requires your attention, it is more likely that you will lose your car keys. If you're not careful, they could easily get lost and cause a stressful situation. There are ways to go from frustration and panic to finding your keys again.
You may think that traditional keys are outdated but they're still can be purchased from your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. G28 Car Keys are the standard keys that secure your door and ignition, and start the engine when you turn it. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the cheapest to replace and your local locksmith is likely to cut one while you sit.
Key fobs first came into use in the late '90s They are made of plastic casings that have buttons that can lock and unlock your car (and in certain cases activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys. Your local automotive locksmith can reprogram fobs but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
Most of us have been guilty of omitting our keys when in a rush or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft you could not have been an issue if your keys were left on the seat. If you lose them at work or home you could put your family and possessions in danger.
Check your spare key first. It may be hidden in your home or in your bag, so it's worth a quick search. Also, consider returning to the place you left your vehicle to the home or work place.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been changed or rekeyed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database will not create an entirely new key that functions. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed in accordance with the original key cut as often as is feasible.
3. Check the Door Locks
If you're having difficulty getting your car started, it may be an issue with the door locks. The door locks could be locked or opened with the key inside. If you lose your car keys you should have a backup key that came along with the vehicle. Keys can be found in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to open your vehicle. You can also try a tool such as the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.
The battery may be dead If the key fob is working but won't turn on the ignition. It is necessary to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if needed.
Over time, the edges of car keys wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. The wafers on the key might not be engaged properly, making it difficult to turn the ignition.
Another issue that is common to the car key is that it might switch off and on when it's in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing down and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.
When people try to start their car, they often take the wrong key from their key table or ring. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar and you could be putting the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.
This is a quick fix that you can do at home: simply clean the key using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign materials off the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.
If you're still having issues take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. The VIN is typically located on your insurance card however, it's also in various other locations on the vehicle itself, including on a panel just 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 between the carburetor washer and the windshield.
4. Call a locksmith
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your car particularly at 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 extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are educated in the installation of, removal, repair, and disassembly of locks ignition cylinders, and doors.
A lot of people in this type of situation will try to save money by calling their dealership to make an entirely new set of keys however this is generally a bad idea. The majority of dealerships charge more than other parts stores or shops, and it could take some time to receive the keys you need.
It is possible to locate locksmiths in the event of an emergency and ask them to decode your lock or create the new one for you. The locksmith will probably require the spare key to decode the lock, so they can create a new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key and then program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.
If you have an transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain entry into your vehicle. They will then make use of a special device to re-program the computer in your car to communicate to the new key. This is known as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".
Most cars today include transponder keys that utilize small heads of plastic that have an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer of the car. The chip in 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 then re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A locksmith on the move who is knowledgeable will be able to create a key for you that will work in the future.