Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do
If you've lost the ignition key, it's important to find out where you could have seen it. Retrace your footsteps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.
Replacing a traditional car key is simple and cost-effective. A locksmith can create a new key right away without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, such as a switchblade, transponder, or smart key will require assistance from a roadside to replace.
1. Check the Ignition
There are a variety of reasons the car key won't engage in the ignition. The most important thing is that it might wear out. Over time the pins in the cylinder will wear out and stop it from turning. This is the main reason why people are unable to start their cars.
A dead battery on the key fob may also require replacement. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and is done at home. Purchase new batteries for the key fob and check if it works with your car.
It could also be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is an element that powers certain components after inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not actually start the vehicle, it is only a means for the engine to be started.
If you own a standard ignition key that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is inserted into a plastic head or cylinder, within your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key into your ignition, it presses the tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes an ignition circuit, which will then provide power to the starter motor to start the engine.
Modern cars employ a different system to prevent car theft, which uses an electronic chip built into the key head. Keys with transponders are commonly called transponder keys. When you place a key equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will activate the engine's computer, allowing the starter motor to rotate.
If your car has transponder keys it is impossible to start it if the key fob battery is dead. G28 is why it is always an excellent idea to have an extra key on hand, just in the event of a problem! However, many auto manufacturers build in a failsafe to ensure that your car is started in the event that the key with the chip is lost.
2. Check the Locks
Car keys usually get lost when you're in a rush or doing something that demands your attention. They can easily get misplaced if you're not careful, which leads to an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can take to get from stress and anxiety back to your keys.
It is possible to think that traditional keys are obsolete, but they are still accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the ignition and door and start the car when turned. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the most affordable to replace and your local locksmith is likely to cut one while you are waiting.
Key fobs first came into use in the '90s, and they are plastic casings that have buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle (and in some cases, set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have keys that are actually made. Fobs can be programmed by a locksmith in your area however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and the transmitter have been added to the key.
We've all made the mistake of putting our keys in the wrong place when we're in a hurry or distracted. If you were in a taxi or a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft It might not have been a big problem if the keys were left on the seat. However, if you lose them at home or at work, you could put your possessions and your family members in danger.
If you have an extra key, you can test it first. It might be hidden somewhere in your home or in your bag, making it worth a quick search. Also, think about returning to the place you left your vehicle to the home or work place.
Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been modified or changed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database will not generate a new key that works. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends having replacement automotive locks re-keyed to the original key cuts whenever possible.
3. Check the Door Locks
If you're having trouble starting your car, there could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks could be locked or opened by using the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you must have a backup key that came with the vehicle. These keys are often hidden in the key fob or as a separate backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also try using 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 could be dead if the key fob works but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if needed.
Over time, the edges of car keys may wear away and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. This can make it difficult for you to start the ignition since the wafers in the key aren't fully engaged.
Another common problem with the car key is that it might 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.
It's not common for people to pick the wrong key off their table or ring while trying to start the car. This can lead to problems since some keys look very similar and you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.
You can fix this problem at home with a cotton Swab that is dipped into ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances from the surface of your key that could stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.
If you're having difficulty, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling an locksmith. This will increase your chances of finding someone to 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 seat, on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.
4. Call a Locksmith
It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle especially at the dark. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they've been lost or stolen it is recommended to contact a locksmith.
A locksmith is a professional contractor who is skilled in everything related to locks and entry access. They are educated in the installation, removal, repair and disassembly of locks ignition cylinders, and doors.
A lot of people in this type of situation will try to save money by calling their car dealership to get new keys but this is usually not a good idea. Dealerships typically charge more than other car parts stores or shops and it could take some time to receive the keys you require.
You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in an emergency. They will then design new keys for you. The locksmith will probably require the spare key to decode the lock, which means they can create a brand new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key off the car's system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it.
If you have transponder keys locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle. They will then use a special device to reprogram your car's computer to connect to the new key. This procedure is referred to as "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".
Transponder keys are utilized in a majority of automobiles in the present. They use a small plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip inside the key can be damaged by heat, water battery issues, or other factors that cause it malfunction. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire key and the vehicle's computer has to be changed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is experienced will be able to create a key for you that will function in the future.