Lost Ignition Key 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It's important to look in all places you might have seen your ignition keys. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing last time you were able to remember seeing the keys.

Replacing an old-fashioned car key is easy and cost-effective. Locksmiths can create the new key immediately without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced, such as transponder, smart keys or switchblade will require assistance from a roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are several reasons that could cause your car keys not to turn on the ignition. It could be due to worn. Over time the pins inside the cylinder can wear out, preventing it from turning. This is the most common reason that people are unable to start their cars.

A dead battery inside the key fob might need to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be done at home. Buy an additional battery for your key fob and check if it works with your car.

It could be that your ignition switch is suffering from malfunction. The ignition switch is an element that supplies power to specific components when you insert your car key into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch isn't the one that will start the car; it's only the one that allows the engine to start.

If you have an ordinary ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is fitted into a plastic head, or cylinder, within the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes the tumblers in a precise order and shuts off an ignition circuit that will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars use an electronic chip embedded inside the key head to prevent car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder in your ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna. This unique code will allow the engine's computer start the starter motor.

If your car has a transponder, you will not be able to start it when the battery in the key fob fails. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra key on hand just in the event of a problem! Many automakers have a failsafe that will assist you in starting your car in the event that the chip-encoded key is lost.

2. Check the Locks

If you're in a hurry or doing something else that requires your attention, it's more likely that you will lose your car keys. If you're not careful, they could easily get lost which can lead to stress. There are ways you can go from frustration and panic to find your keys again.

You might think that keys that were traditionally used are an old fashion thing, but they're still can be purchased from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure the door and ignition and then start the car when turned. You can also use them to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are cheapest and most common to replace. The locksmith in your neighborhood can cut you a key while you sit.

Key fobs were introduced in the '90s, and they are made of plastic with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car (and in some cases activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices include physical keys that are tucked inside. Fobs can be programmed by your local automotive locksmith, but only after the transponder chip has been replaced and a transmitter have been added to the key.

We've all made the mistake of leaving our keys behind when we're in a rush or distracted. It's probably not an issue if you left them in your seat when you took an Uber, cab or bus, or a ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at work or home, you could put your family and possessions in danger.

Start by looking for your spare key. You might find it in your home or bag. It is worth a quick look. Also, think about going back to where you left the vehicle to get to your place of work or residence.

Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been altered or changed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't create an original key that functions. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that new automotive locks be re-keyed to match the original key cut as often as is feasible.

3. Check the door locks

If you're having trouble getting your car started, it could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks may be locked or unlocked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you must have a spare backup key that came with the vehicle. The keys are usually kept in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You could also try a tool such as the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.

The battery may be dead If the key fob is working but it isn't turning on the ignition. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries inside the key fob and reprogramme it if required.

Over time, car key edges may wear away and break off in the ignition lock or cylinder. This can make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers that make up the key aren't properly engaged.

A car key may occasionally turn off or on when in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent issues.

It's not uncommon for people to take the wrong key off their table or from their key rings when trying to start their car. This can lead to problems since certain keys look similar and you might have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

You can fix this issue at home with a cotton Swab that is dipped into ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of your key that could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you are still having trouble make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. van ignition repair increases the chances of locating someone to replace your car key. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel located above the driver's seat on the engine block's back, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.

4. Call a locksmith

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

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

Most people who find themselves in this situation try to save money by calling their car dealership for an upgrade. This is typically an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it may take some time to receive your keys.

You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in an emergency. They can then create an additional key for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith will likely require it to decode the lock so they can create a new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key off the car system, meaning it will not be able to start the car until it is programmed to work with it.


The locksmith will have to access your vehicle to reprogram the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This procedure is referred to as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Transponder keys are used in the majority of cars today. They use a small plastic key that has a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key could be damaged by water, heat 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 knowledgeable can create an appropriate key that will function in the future.

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Pub: 29 Apr 2024 06:17 UTC
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