Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
It's important to look in all places you may have seen your ignition key. 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 simple and cost-effective. Locksmiths can make the new key immediately without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, such as a switchblade, transponder, or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.
1. Check the Ignition
There are a few different reasons that could cause your car keys not to turn the ignition. It could be due to worn. Over time the pins within the cylinder could become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren't able to start their car.
A dead battery in the key fob might require replacement. This is a straightforward fix that can be completed at your home. Purchase new batteries for your key fob, and test whether it works in your car.
It is possible that your ignition switch has a fault. The ignition switch is an element that supplies power to specific components when you insert 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.
When you turn the key in your ignition and it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it presses tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes the circuit for ignition. This then supplies power to the starter motor to allow the engine to begin.
Modern cars employ a different system to prevent car theft, which uses an electronic chip embedded in the key head. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder key. When you insert a key with transponder into your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code will activate the engine's computer, allowing the starter motor to rotate.
If your car has transponder, you'll not be capable of starting it when the battery on the key fob goes out. It is always a good idea to have an extra car key in your possession to be prepared in the event of. The majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature that can assist you in starting your vehicle if the chip-encoded key is lost.
2. Check the Locks
If you're in a hurry or doing something else that demands your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. They are easily lost if you're not careful and result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can take to go from frustration and panic to locating your keys once more.
You may think that traditional keys are an old fashion thing, but they're still around and available to purchase from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys that lock your ignition and door and then start the engine once you turn. You can also use these keys to open the trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are the most affordable and easiest to replace. Your local locksmith will cut you one while you wait.
Key fobs first came into use in the late '90s They are made of made of plastic with buttons that can lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain instances they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with keys that are actually made. Fobs can be programmed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and the transmitter have been added to the key.
We've all been guilty of putting our keys in the wrong place when we're in a rush or distracted. It's not an issue if you left them in your seat when you took an Uber, cab, bus or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at home or at work you could put your family's belongings and personal belongings in danger.
If you have a spare key, test it first. It may be hidden in your home or bag, so it's worth doing a quick search. Also, think about going back to where you left your vehicle to your home or work place.
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 won't result in keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that new 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 experiencing difficulty getting your car started, it could be a problem with the door locks. They may be open or locked with the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, you should have an additional key that came with the vehicle. G28 can be found in the key fob, or as a backup that you use to unlock your vehicle. You could also try an instrument such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.
The battery might be dead If the key fob functions but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob and reprogram the device if needed.
Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break off in the lock or ignition cylinder. The wafers that make up the key may not be properly engaged which makes it difficult to turn the ignition.
A car key can also occasionally switch on and off while in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing out, causing intermittent problems with the ignition switch.
When people try to start their vehicle, they usually grab the wrong key from their key table or ring. This can lead to problems since keys that look identical, and you may be putting the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.
This is a quick fix you can perform at home: simply clean the key with a cotton swab and some ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances off the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors.
If you're still having issues make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase your chances of finding someone who can replace your car keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's chair, on the back of the engine block or in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Contact for a locksmith
It's terrifying to be locked out of your car especially at night. If you don't know the location of your keys, or if your key is lost or stolen the best thing you can do is contact an locksmith to help you unlock your door.
A locksmith is a professional contractor who has specialized skills in all aspects of locks and access to. They are certified to install, uninstall or repair and dismantle doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.
A lot of people in this kind of situation will try to save money by calling their dealership to create an entirely new set of keys, but this is usually a bad idea. The majority of dealerships will charge more than other shops or parts stores, and it could take a while to get your keys.
You can also call a locksmith to decode your lock in case of emergency. They can then create new keys for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock, so they can create a brand new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and program a new one to start the vehicle.
The locksmith will need to enter your vehicle to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This is known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".
The majority of cars today have transponder keys that use tiny plastic heads with a computer chip to communicate with the car's immobilizer. The chip inside the key could be damaged by heat, water battery issues, or other reasons that make it stop working properly. In this case, you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the car's computer to accept it. A reputable mobile locksmith will be able to accomplish this for you and create keys that work well in the future.