Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you've lost the ignition key, it's important to look for all places you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing last time you saw the keys.
Replacing a traditional car key is simple and cost-effective. 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 smart key, transponder or switchblade, will require assistance at the roadside.
1. Check the Ignition
There are a few different reasons that could cause your car key not to turn in the ignition. The first thing is that it may wear out. As time passes the pins inside the cylinder may be worn out, preventing it from turning. This is the primary reason why people aren't able to start their car.
A dead battery in the key fob could need to be replaced. This is a simple fix that you can do at your home. Buy an additional battery for your key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.
It could also be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is an electrical device that supplies power to certain components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch does not start the car; it allows the engine to start.
When you turn the key in your ignition it forces a set of tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key on your ignition, it presses a set of tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit, which will then supply power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.
Modern cars employ a different system to protect against theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. Keys with transponders are commonly referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a key that has a transponder into your ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna. This unique code can let the computer of the engine to turn on the starter motor.
If your car has transponder technology, you will not be able to start it when the battery in the key fob dies. This is why it is always an excellent idea to have an extra key on hand, just in case! However, many auto manufacturers build in a failsafe to ensure that your car is going if the key that contains the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
When you are in a hurry 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 can easily be misplaced and cause a stressful situation. Fortunately, there are ways you can go from frustration and panic to finding your keys again.
You might think that keys that were traditionally used are a thing of the past but they're still around and are available for purchase at your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the ignition and door and allow the car to start when you turn it. They can also be used to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are the most affordable and easiest to replace. The locksmith in your neighborhood can cut you one while you sit.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock the car (and in some cases, to activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys. Fobs can be programmed by a locksmith in your area, but only after a new transponder chip as well as an additional transmitter are added to the key.
We've all made the mistake of leaving keys in the car when we're in a rush or distracted. It might not be an issue when you forgot keys in your car in a subway, taxi, bus or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at home, or at work, you may put your belongings and your family members in danger.
If you have a spare key, take it out first. It may be hidden in your house or your bag, so it is worth an initial search. You might want to retrace the steps you took from the place you parked your car to your workplace or home.
You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database will not produce keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that new automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut whenever it is possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
If you're having trouble getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks may be locked or opened by using the key inside. If you lose your car keys, you should have a backup key that came with the vehicle. Keys are often kept in the key fob, or as a separate backup you can use to open the 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.
The battery could be dead If the key fob is working 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 wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. The wafers that make up the key may not be properly engaged which makes it difficult to turn the ignition.
Another issue that is common to car keys is that it might switch off and on when it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent issues.
When people are trying to start their car, they typically grab the wrong key from their key table or ring. It can be a problem since some keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.
It is possible to fix this issue at home using a cotton swab dipped in ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of your key that could hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.
If you still have trouble make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase your chances of finding someone to replace your car keys. Your VIN is usually found on your insurance card but it's also located in a few other places on the vehicle, such as 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 between the carburetor and the windshield washer.
4. Call a locksmith
It's scary to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you don't know where your keys are or if they have been lost or stolen, it is best to call a locksmith.
A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized skills in all things related to locks and access to. They are trained to install, uninstall, fix and take apart doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.
The majority of people in this kind of situation attempt to save money and call their local dealership to request an upgrade. This is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge more than other shops or parts stores, and it might take some time to receive your keys.
You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your lock in case of emergency. They can then create an additional key for you. The locksmith will most likely need to use the spare key to decode the lock, so they can create a new key for your car. The locksmith will take out the old key and then program the new one to start the vehicle.
If you have a transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain entry into your vehicle, then make use of a special device to re-program the car's computer to be able to connect with the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
G28 , most cars come with transponder keys, which use small heads of plastic that have a computer chip to communicate with the immobilizer of the car. The chip in the key may be damaged by water, heat battery issues, or other factors that cause it not function properly. If this happens, you'll have to replace the entire key and the vehicle's computer has to be changed to accept it. A reliable locksmith mobile will be able to accomplish this for you and create an appropriate key that will function well in the future.