Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost your ignition key, it's vital to check all the places you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

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

1. Check the ignition

There are a few different reasons that could cause your car key not to turn in the ignition. It could be due to worn. Over time the pins within the cylinder may become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the primary reason that people are unable to start their cars.

A dead battery on the key fob could require replacement. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and can be done at home. Buy an additional battery for your key fob and verify that it is compatible with your car.

It could be that your ignition switch has an issue. The ignition switch is an electronic component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch will not start the vehicle; it only allows the engine to start.

If you own an ignition key that is standard that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is inserted into a plastic head or cylinder, inside your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key on your ignition, it pushes the tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit, which will then supply power to the starter motor in order to start the engine.

Modern cars use a different method to stop theft of cars, which uses an electronic chip built into the key head. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a lock that has a transponder in the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code can let the computer of the engine to start the starter motor.

If your car is equipped with transponder keys it is impossible to start it when the battery of the key fob is dead. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra key on hand, just in case! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe that will help you start your car in the event that the chip-encoded key is lost.

2. Check the Locks

car ignition switch keys are usually lost when you're in a hurry or performing something that requires your attention. They can easily get misplaced if you're not careful and result in a stressful situation when it happens. There are ways you can get from panic and frustration to finding your keys again.

You may think that traditional keys are obsolete however, they are accessible from your local auto dealer or locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the ignition and door and allow the car to start when turned. You can also utilize these keys to unlock your trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually 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 to lock and unlock the car (and in some cases, to activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices come with keys that are actually made. The local locksmith in your area can reprogramme 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 in a hurry or distracted. It's not important even if you put keys in your seat if you took a subway, taxi or bus, or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. However, if you lose them at home, or at work, you may put your possessions and your family members in danger.

Check your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your home or in your bag, so it is worth doing a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from where you parked your vehicle until 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 won't produce a key that will work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut as often as is feasible.

3. Check the door locks

You could have an issue with the door locks if you have trouble getting your car started. They could be open or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a spare key that came with the vehicle. Keys can be found in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also use a device such as a Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob is functioning but it's not turning the ignition, it could be because the battery has died. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the batteries inside the key fob and reprogramme it if required.

Over time, car key edges wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. This can make it difficult for you to turn the ignition as the wafers in the key aren't fully engaged.

A car key may sometimes turn on or off when in the ignition. This is due to the fact that the internal components are wearing down and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.

It's not uncommon for people to pick the wrong key off their table or their key rings when trying to start their car. This can cause problems because some keys look very similar and you could have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.

This is a quick fix you can perform at home: just clean the key using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign substance from the surface of the key that can hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you are still having trouble take a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of finding someone who can replace your car ignition switch replacement keys. Your VIN is usually found on your insurance card however, it's also found in other places on the vehicle itself, including on a panel just above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block in the trunk, or lost Ignition key the door jamb and on the frame between the carburetor and windshield washer.

4. Contact a locksmith

It's scary to be locked out of your vehicle, especially at the dark. If you don't know where your keys went or if your key is lost or stolen the best thing you can do is call an locksmith to help you unlock your door.

Locksmiths are skilled contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, remove or repair and dismantle doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.

A lot of people in this type of situation will attempt to save money by calling their car dealership to create new keys, but this is usually not a good idea. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it could take a while to obtain your keys.

You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your lock in the event of an emergency. They will then design a new key for you. The locksmith will most likely need to use the spare key to decode the lock, so they can make a new key for your vehicle. The locksmith will erase the old key from the car's system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it.

If you have an transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain entry into your vehicle, and then make use of a special device to reprogram the computer in your car to communicate to the new key. This is known as "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".

The majority of cars today come with transponder keys, which use a small plastic head with an electronic chip that communicates with the immobilizer of the car. The chip can be damaged by water, heat or battery problems, or any other reason. In this instance, you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the vehicle's computer to accept it. A locksmith on the move who is experienced can create a key for you that will function in the future.