Lost Ignition Key? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve lost the ignition key, you need to look for all places you could have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing a car key is easy and cost-effective. Locksmiths can create an entirely new car key without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology, Lost Ignition Key such as a transponder, smart key or switchblade, will require assistance from a roadside.
1. Check the ignition
There are several things that can cause your car key not to turn on the ignition. The first is that it may be worn. Over time the pins within the cylinder may wear out, preventing it from turning. This is the main reason why people are unable to start their car ignition switch replacement.
Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery that needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be done at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.
In the end, it could be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is an electronic component that supplies power to various components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch does not start the vehicle; it only allows the engine to be started.
When you turn the ignition key and it pushes a set of tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it pushes tumblers into an exact arrangement and closes the circuit for ignition. Then, it will supply power to the starter motor to allow the engine to begin.
Modern cars are equipped with an electronic chip embedded inside the key head to prevent car theft. These keys are also known as transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder in your ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car’s antenna. This unique code will trigger the engine’s computer, allowing the starter motor to turn.
If your car uses transponder keys, there is no way to start it if the key fob battery is dead. It is always a smart idea to have an extra car key on hand, just in case. However, most auto manufacturers build in a failsafe to ensure that your car ignition barrel replacement is started in the event that the key with the 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. They can easily get misplaced in the event of a mishap and can result in a stressful situation when it happens. There are steps you can take to avoid panic and stress to find your keys again.
It is possible to think that traditional keys are no longer needed, but they are still accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the ignition and door and allow the car to start when turned. You can also use them to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easy to replace. A locksmith at your local can cut you a key while you are waiting.
Key fobs first came into use in the ’90s They are made of plastic casings that have buttons that can lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain cases, set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices include physical keys that are tucked inside. Your local automotive locksmith can reprogram fobs, but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We’ve all been guilty of forgetting our keys while in a hurry or distracted. If you were in a taxi or another ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft you may not have been a big issue if they were left in your seat. If you are unable to locate them at work or home it could put your family and possessions in danger.
If you have a spare key, take it out first. You might find it in your house or bag. It’s worth a quick glance. Think about retracing the steps that you took from where you parked your vehicle to your workplace or home.
Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database will not produce a key that will work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut as often as is feasible.
3. Check the door locks
If you’re experiencing difficulty starting your car, there could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks might be locked or unlocked by using the key inside. If you’ve lost your car keys, you must have a backup key that came with your vehicle. These keys can be found in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also try using tools like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without damaging the locks on your doors or Lost Ignition Key ignition switch.
The battery may be dead If the key fob is working but won’t turn on the ignition. You’ll need to replace batteries in the keyfob and reprogram the device if required.
Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off in the lock or ignition cylinder. The wafers that make up the key may not be properly engaged making it difficult to turn the ignition.
A car key may sometimes turn on or off when in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.
It’s not uncommon for people to mistakenly pick the wrong key off their table or from their key ring when they’re trying to start the car. This can lead to problems since some keys look very similar and you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.
You can fix this issue at home with a simple cotton swab that has been dipped in ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances off the surface of your key that may hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.
If you’re still having issues, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling an locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of finding someone who can replace your car keys. You can locate your VIN on your insurance card. It’s also on a panel above the driver’s chair, on the back of the engine block or in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Call an expert locksmith
It’s a nightmare to be locked out of your car particularly at the dark. If you don’t know where your keys went, or if you think your key has been lost or stolen, the best thing to do is contact a locksmith to come unlock your door.
Locksmiths are skilled contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are certified in the installation, removal, repair and disassembly of locks, ignition cylinders and doors.
A lot of people in this type of situation will attempt to save money by calling their car dealership to make an entirely new set of keys however this is generally not a good idea. The majority of dealerships charge 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 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 they can create a brand new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.
The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle in order to reprogram the computer of the car to accept the new key. This is known as “all key lost” or “key fob replacement”.
Today, most cars include transponder keys that utilize a small plastic head with a computer chip to communicate with the car’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 instance you’ll need to replace the key and re-program the car’s computer to accept it. A reliable locksmith on the move can do this for you and create keys that work well in the future.