Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It is important to check all the places where you might have seen your ignition key. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing the last time you recall seeing the keys.

Replacing a car key that is old-fashioned is easy and inexpensive. Locksmiths can make the new key immediately without the original. However, a 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 many reasons your car key won't engage in the ignition lock repair services. It could be due to worn. As time passes the pins in the cylinder may wear out and stop it from turning. This is the main reason why people aren't capable of starting their car.

A dead battery inside the key fob might need to be replaced. If this is the case, it's an easy fix and is done at home. Buy an additional battery for your key fob and test it to see if it is compatible with your car.

It is possible that your ignition switch is suffering from an issue. The ignition key replacement switch is an element that powers certain components upon inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch isn't the one that starts the car, it is only the one that allows the engine to start.

When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it forces tumblers into does a new ignition switch require a new key precise arrangement, and then shuts off the circuit for ignition. Then, it will supply the starter motor with power to allow the engine to begin.

Modern cars use an electronic chip that is embedded in the key head to stop car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly called transponder keys. When you insert a key with a transponder into the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This code is unique and will activate the engine's computer to allow the starter motor to rotate.

If your car has transponder, you'll not be capable of starting it when the battery in the key fob fails. This is the reason it is always an excellent idea to have an extra key in your car, just in the event of a problem! However, many auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature to help get your car started if the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

When you are in a hurry or performing something other thing that requires your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. They can be easily lost if you're not careful and result in a stressful situation when it happens. There are steps you can take to avoid anxiety and panic back to your keys.

You may think that traditional keys are no longer needed however, they are available at your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock the ignition and door and start the car when turned. You can also make use of these keys to open the trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are typically the most affordable to replace and your local locksmith should be able to cut one while you wait.

Key fobs were introduced in the '90s and are made of plastic casings with buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain cases, set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices include physical keys tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs but only after adding a new transmitter and transponder chip to the key.

We've all been guilty of putting our keys in the wrong place when we're in a hurry or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing services, like 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 family and possessions in danger.

Try your spare key first. It might be hidden somewhere in your home or in your bag, so it is worth a quick search. Also, think about going back to where you left the vehicle to the workplace or home.

Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have already been changed or rekeyed then running your VIN through the key database will not produce keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut whenever possible.

3. Check the door locks

You may have a problem with your door locks if you are having trouble getting your car started. The door locks may be locked or opened with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, it is recommended to have a backup key that came with the car. These keys can be found in the key fob or as backup keys that you use to unlock your vehicle. You could also try tools like the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the door locks or the ignition switch.

The battery could be dead If the key fob functions but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace the batteries in the keyfob, and then reprogram the device if required.

Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside the lock or ignition cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers in the key aren't fully engaged.

The car key can occasionally turn off or on while in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.

When people are trying to start their vehicle, they usually pick the wrong key from their key table or ring. This can cause problems because keys that look identical and you could have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.

This is a quick fix that you can do at home: simply clean the key using an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances off the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you're having difficulty it is recommended that you write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting a locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a panel located above the driver's chair, on the back of the engine block and in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Call an expert locksmith

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your car particularly at night. If you don't know where your keys went or if your keys are lost or stolen the best thing to do is contact an locksmith to help you unlock your door.

A locksmith is a professional contractor with specialized knowledge in all things related to locks and access to. They are trained to install, remove, fix and take apart doors locks, locks, and ignition and key replacement cylinders.

Many people in this kind of situation try to save money by calling their car dealer to get new keys but this is usually not a good idea. Most dealerships charge a lot more than other car parts shops or shops, and it could take an extended time to obtain the keys you require.

You can also contact a locksmith to decode your lock in the event of an emergency. They can then create a new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith may only need to use it to decode the lock so that they can create a brand new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car system, meaning it will not be able to start the car until a new key is programmed to work with it.

If you have a transponder key the locksmith will require to gain access into your vehicle. They will then use a special device to reprogram your car's computer to connect with the new key. This is a process called "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

The majority of cars today include transponder keys that utilize small heads of plastic that have an electronic chip that communicates with the car's immobilizer. The chip could be damaged due to heat, water and battery issues or any other reason. In this situation you'll need to replace the key and then re-program the car's computer to accept it. A reputable mobile locksmith will be able to do this for you and make keys that work well in the future.