Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you 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 a car key that is old-fashioned is easy and inexpensive. A locksmith can create an entirely new car key without the original. However, a technologically advanced key like the switchblade, transponder or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.

1. Check the Ignition

There are many factors that could cause your car key to not to turn the ignition. The first thing is that it could be worn out. Over time the pins within the cylinder may wear out and stop it from turning. This is the main reason why people are unable to start their vehicles.

A dead battery in the key fob might require replacement. If this is the case, it is an easy fix and can be done at home. Buy new batteries for the key fob and check if it works with your car.

It could also be that the ignition switch you are using is not working. The ignition switch is a part that supplies power to specific components after inserting your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not actually start the vehicle, it only allows the engine to start.

If you own a standard ignition lock repair key that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is fitted into a plastic head or cylinder, in your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the ignition key, it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes the circuit for ignition. This will then supply the starter motor with power to allow the engine to begin.

Modern cars use a different system to protect against theft of cars that utilizes an electronic chip built into the head of the key. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys. When you place a key that has a transponder in the ignition and key replacement, it transmits an identification code to the G28 car Keys's antenna ring. This unique code can let the engine's computer start the starter motor.

If your car is equipped with a transponder, you will not be capable of starting it when the battery in the key fob fails. This is why it's always a good idea to keep an extra key in your car just in case! The majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your vehicle if the chip-encoded key is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are usually lost when you're in a rush or are doing something that demands your attention. If you're not careful they are easily lost which can lead to an unsettling situation. Fortunately, there are ways you can go from frustration and panic to find your keys again.

You may think that traditional keys are a thing of the past but they're still around and available to purchase from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure the door and ignition and then start the car when you turn it. You can also use them to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the least expensive to replace and your local locksmith will be able cut a key while you wait.

Key fobs first came into use in the late '90s They are made of plastic casings with buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle (and in some cases they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding a new transmitter and transponder chip to the key.

Most of us have been guilty of omitting our keys when in a rush or distracted. It's not a big deal even if you put keys in your car when you took a taxi, subway or bus, or even a ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you do are unable to locate them at home or at work, you may put your possessions and your family in danger.

Check your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your home or in your bag, so it's worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the point you parked your vehicle to your workplace or home.

Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. However, if your locks have been changed or replaced or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't create a new key that works. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends having replacement automotive locks re-keyed to the original key cuts as often as is possible.

3. Check the door locks

You may have a problem 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 have lost your car keys, there should be a backup key that came along with the vehicle. Keys are often stored in the key fob or as a separate backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also use a tool like a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be because the battery is dead. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries in the key fob and reprogram it if necessary.

Over time, the edges of car keys can wear away and break off in the ignition lock or cylinder. This can make it difficult for you to start the ignition since the wafers inside the key aren't engaged properly.

Another common problem with a car key is that it may turn on and off when it's in the ignition. This is due to the fact that the internal components are wearing down and causing intermittent issues with the ignition switch.

When people try to start their vehicle, they usually pick the wrong key from their key ring or table. It could be a challenge because some keys are very similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

You can fix this issue at home using a cotton Swab that is dipped into ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter from the surface of the key that can stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you're having difficulty it is recommended that you write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. You can locate your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat, on the engine block's back or in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Call a locksmith

It's scary to be locked out of your car, especially at the dark. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen you should contact a locksmith.

A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, uninstall and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

The majority of people in this kind of situation attempt to save money and call their dealership to get an upgrade. This is usually a bad decision. Most dealerships charge a lot more than other car parts stores or shops and it can take an extended time to obtain the keys you need.

Luckily, you can also locate a locksmith in an emergency and let them decode your lock or create an entirely new key for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith will likely require it to decode the lock so that they can create a new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and then program a new one to start the vehicle.

The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle to program the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Most cars today have transponder keys that use small heads of plastic that have a computer chip to communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip inside the key could be damaged by heat, water battery issues, or other factors that cause it not function properly. In this situation you'll have to replace the key and then re-program the vehicle's computer to accept it. A reputable mobile locksmith can do this for you and create a key that will work well in the future.