Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you've lost the ignition key, you need to find out where you may have seen it. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing the traditional car key is easy and inexpensive. A locksmith can make an original car ignition switch replacement key, without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, such as a transponder, switchblade, or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.

1. Check the ignition

There are a variety of reasons your car ignition replacement key won't engage in the ignition. The most important thing is that it may wear out. Over time the pins in the cylinder may wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the main reason that people are unable to start their cars.

Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery that needs to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be completed at your home. Purchase a new key fob battery and check if it works with your car.

It could also be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is a component that provides power to certain components upon inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch isn't the one that actually starts the car; it is only the one that allows the engine to start.

If you own an ignition key that is standard with a metal shaft that is fitted into a plastic head or cylinder, within your vehicle's ignition and key replacement. When you turn the ignition key, it forces tumblers into a precise arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. This then supplies power to the starter motor for the engine to begin.

Modern cars use an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the key to guard against theft of cars. They are also referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a key that has a transponder in your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code can let the computer in the engine to turn on the starter motor.

If your car has transponder keys that is not a transponder key ignition replacement, it will be impossible to start it in the event that the battery for the key fob dies. It is always a smart idea to have an extra car key on hand, just in case. The majority of auto makers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your car if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are typically lost when you're in a hurry or performing something that requires your attention. They can easily get misplaced in the event of a mishap and can result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it happens. There are steps you can take to avoid anxiety and panic back to your keys.

You may think that keys that were traditionally used are an old fashion thing, but they're still around and are available for purchase at your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys that lock your ignition and door and also start the engine once you turn. You can also make use of these keys to open your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the cheapest to replace and your local locksmith should be able cut a key while you are waiting.

In the 1990s, key fobs became popular. They are plastic casings with buttons for locking and unlocking the car (and in some cases, even activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices include keys that are actually made. Your local automotive locksmith 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 while stressed or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, it could not have been an problem if the keys were left on the seat. If you do lose them at home, or at work, you may be putting your belongings and your family members in danger.

If you have a spare key, test it first. It could be in your bag or house. It is worth a quick search. Consider retracing the steps you took from the point you parked your vehicle to your workplace or home.

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 will not produce a key that will work. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends replacing automotive locks with keys that are replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

If you're having trouble getting your car to start, it may be an issue with the door locks. They could be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys you should have a backup key that was included with the vehicle. These keys are often hidden in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You could also use a tool such as a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without causing damage the ignition switch or door locks.

The battery might be dead If the key fob functions but it isn't turning on the ignition lock repair. You'll need to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogram the device if required.

Over time, the edges of car keys may wear away and break off in the lock or cylinder of ignition. The wafers on the key might not be fully engaged, making it difficult to turn the ignition.

The car key can occasionally switch on and off when in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are wearing out, causing intermittent problems.

When people are trying to start their car, they typically grab the wrong key by mistake from their key ring or table. This can lead to problems since some keys look very similar and you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

This is a simple fix that you can make at home: just clean the key with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter from the surface of the key, which could prevent it from turning in the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you're having difficulty, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling an locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can help you replace your car keys. The VIN will usually be located on your insurance card however, it's also found in a few other places on the vehicle itself, such as on a panel above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or the door jamb, and on the frame that runs between the carburetor and windshield washer.

4. Contact an expert locksmith

It's terrifying to be locked out of your car especially at night. If you don't know where your keys went or if you think your key has been lost or stolen the best thing to do is contact locksmiths to unlock your door.

A locksmith is an expert contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are certified to install, remove and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Many people in this kind of situation will attempt to save money by calling their car dealer to create a new set of keys but this is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it might take some time to receive your keys.

You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in case of emergency. They can then create an additional key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith may only need to use it to decode the lock, so they can create a 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 need to enter your vehicle in order to reprogram the computer of the car to accept the new key. This process is called "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Transponder keys are utilized in a majority of automobiles in the present. They are a small plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key could be damaged by heat, water and battery problems, as well as other reasons that make it malfunction. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire key, and the computer in your vehicle has to be changed to accept it. A locksmith on the move who is knowledgeable will be able to create keys for you that will work in the future.