Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you've lost the ignition key, it's important to find out where you might have seen it. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing the last time you saw the keys.

Replacing an old-fashioned car keys is easy and cost-effective. A locksmith can make an original car key, without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, Fix Ignition Lock such as a switchblade, transponder, or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.

1. Check the ignition

There are a few different reasons that could cause your car key not to turn in the ignition. The most important thing is that it may wear out. Over time the pins within the cylinder can wear out, preventing it from turning. This is the main cause of people not being capable of starting their car.

A dead battery on the key fob could require replacement. If this is the case, it is a simple Fix ignition lock and is done at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.

Lastly, it may be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. 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 start the car; it is only a means for the engine to start.

If you have a standard ignition key with a metal shaft that is inserted into a plastic head or cylinder, inside your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the ignition key, it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes the circuit for ignition. This will then supply the starter motor with power so that the engine can begin.

Modern cars have a new system to protect against theft of cars using an electronic chip built into the head of the key. They are also referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a key with a transponder into the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code lets the computer in the engine to turn on the starter motor.

If your car has a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob dies. This is the reason it is always an excellent idea to have a spare key with you just in case! However, many auto manufacturers include a failsafe to help get your car started if the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

If you're in a rush or doing something else that demands your attention, it's more likely that you'll lose your car keys. If you're not careful they could easily get lost which can lead to an unsettling situation. Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid panic and stress to finding your keys again.

You might think traditional keys are outdated however, they are accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are keys that secure your door and ignition, and also start the engine when turned. They can also be used to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are the most affordable and easiest to replace. A locksmith at your local will cut you one while you sit.

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

We've all had the misfortune of not having our keys while in a rush or distracted. It's probably not important if you left keys in your car when you took a subway, taxi or bus, or even a ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work it could put your family and belongings in danger.

If you have a spare key, test it first. It may be hidden in your home or bag, so it is worth a quick search. Consider retracing the steps you took from where you parked your car to your home or workplace.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database won't result in keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut whenever it is possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

You could have problems with your door locks if you are having difficulty getting your car started. The door locks might be locked or opened with the key inside. If you lose your car keys you should have an additional key that was included with the vehicle. Keys can be found in the key fob or as backup keys that you use to unlock your vehicle. You could also try tools like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without damaging the door locks or ignition switch.

The battery may be dead If the key fob functions but it isn't turning on the ignition. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries in the key fob and re-programme it if needed.

Over time, car key edges can wear away and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers that make up the key aren't engaged properly.

Another issue that is common to car keys is that it might switch on and off while it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems.

It's not common for people to pick the wrong key off their table or rings when trying to start their car. It could be a challenge because certain keys are similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a quick fix ignition switch that you can make at home: just clean the key with a cotton swab and some ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign materials off the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.

If you are still having trouble take a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel located above the driver's seat, on the back of the engine block and in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Contact a locksmith

Being locked out of your vehicle is a scary situation, especially in the dark of night. If you aren't sure where your keys are or if they have been lost or stolen you should call a locksmith.

A locksmith is a professional contractor who is skilled in all things related to locks and access control. They are certified to install, uninstall or repair and dismantle doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.

Most people who find themselves in this situation try to save money by calling their dealership to get a 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 some time to receive your keys.

You can locate a locksmith in an emergency and have them decode your lock or create an entirely new key for you. The locksmith will probably require your spare key to unlock the lock, which means they can create a brand new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key off the car system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it.

If you own transponder keys the locksmith will require to gain entry into your vehicle. They will then employ a specific device to reprogram your car's computer to connect to the new key. This process is called "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".

Today, most cars have transponder keys that use a small plastic head with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip could be damaged due to water, heat, battery issues or any other cause. If this happens, you will need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle needs to be reprogrammed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is knowledgeable will be able to create an appropriate key that will function in the future.