Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you lost the ignition key, it's vital to look for all places you might have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing the last time you recall seeing the keys.
Replacing an old-fashioned car keys is easy and cost-effective. A locksmith can create a new key right away without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology, such as transponder, smart keys or switchblade will require assistance from a roadside.
1. Check the Ignition
There are several factors that could cause your car key not to turn the ignition. First, it could be worn. As time passes the pins in the cylinder can wear down and stop 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 need to be replaced. If this is the case, it's a simple fix and can be accomplished at 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 various components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch will not start the car; it is only a means for the engine to be started.
If you have a standard ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is placed into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, in your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key on your ignition, it presses tumblers into a precise arrangement and shuts off an ignition circuit, which will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.
Modern cars are equipped with an electronic chip embedded inside the key head to guard against theft of cars. These keys are also known as transponder keys. When you insert a key with transponder inside your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code can let the computer of the engine to turn on the starter motor.
If your car is equipped with transponder technology, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob fails. This is why it's always a good idea to keep a spare key with you, just in case! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe that will assist you in starting your car if the chip-encoded key is lost.
2. Check the Locks
If you're in a rush or doing something other thing that requires your attention, it is more likely that you'll lose your car keys. They can be easily lost in the event of a mishap and result in a stressful situation when it occurs. There are steps you can follow to get from stress and anxiety back to your keys.
It's possible to think that traditional keys are an old fashion thing, but they're still available to purchase from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the ignition and door and start the car when turned. You can also use them to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the most affordable to replace, and your local locksmith should be able cut a key while you sit.
In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings with buttons for locking and unlocking the car (and in some cases, activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices include physical keys that are tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key.
We've all had the misfortune of not having our keys while stressed or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft you might not have been a big problem if the keys were left on the seat. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you could put your belongings and your family's safety at risk.
If you have a spare key, try that first. You may find it in your home or bag. It is worth a quick glance. 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 already been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database won't result in keys that work. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends having replacement automotive locks replaced with keys that match the original cuts as often as is possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
If you're having difficulty getting your car to start, it could be a problem with the door locks. They could be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a spare key that came along with the vehicle. Keys are often hidden in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You could also try tools like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without causing damage to the locks on your doors or the ignition switch.
If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery has died. It is necessary to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device, if necessary.
Over time, the edges of car keys wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. This could make it difficult to start the ignition since the wafers in the key aren't properly engaged.
The car key can sometimes turn on or off when it is in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.
When people are trying to start their car, they often take the wrong key by mistake from their key table or ring. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar, and you may have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.
G28 Car Keys is a quick fix you can perform at home: simply wipe down the key with the help of a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign substance from the surface of the key, which could stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.
If you're still having trouble, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling a locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat on the back of the engine block and in the trunk or on the door jamb.
4. Call a locksmith
Being locked out of your car can be a scary situation, especially on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys went, or if your key is lost or stolen, the best thing to do is contact locksmiths to unlock your door.
A locksmith is an expert contractor who has specialized knowledge of locks and access. They are trained 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 dealer to get a new set of keys however this is generally an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or parts stores, and it could take a while to obtain your keys.
You can also call a locksmith to decode your lock in case of emergency. They can then make new keys for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will probably only need to use it to decode the lock so they can create a brand new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take away the old key and program the new one to start the vehicle.
The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This is a process called "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 immobilizer of the car. The chip inside the key may be damaged by heat, water battery issues, or other reasons that make it not function properly. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire key and the car's computer has to be changed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled will be able create an appropriate key that will work in the future.