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Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you've lost your ignition key, you need to check all the places you could have seen it. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing the traditional car key is easy and affordable. Locksmiths can create an original car key, without the original. However, a technologically advanced key such as a switchblade, transponder, or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.

1. Check the Ignition

There are several things that can cause your car key not to turn in the ignition. The first reason is that it could be worn out. As time passes, the pins in the cylinder may become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the most common reason why people are unable to start their cars.

Another possibility is that the key fob has an inoperative battery and requires to be replaced. This is a straightforward fix that can be completed at home. Just purchase a new battery for your key fob and see if it works in your car.

In the end, it could be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is a component that supplies power to specific components upon inserting your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that actually starts the car; it's only the one that allows the engine to start.

If you have an ignition key that is standard that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is fitted into a plastic head, or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn your ignition key, it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. This then supplies power to the starter motor to allow the engine to start.

Modern cars are equipped with an electronic chip that is embedded inside the key head to guard against theft of cars. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a key that has a transponder into your ignition, it transmits an identification code to your car's antenna. This code is unique and will activate the engine's computer, allowing the starter motor to turn over.

If your car is equipped with transponder technology, you will not be capable of starting it when the battery in the key fob fails. It's always a good idea to have a spare car key available just in case. The majority of auto makers have a failsafe that will assist you in starting your vehicle if the key with a chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are usually lost when you're in a hurry or doing something that demands your attention. If you're not careful they can easily be misplaced and cause a stressful situation. There are steps you can follow to get from anxiety and panic back to your keys.

You might think traditional keys are obsolete however, they are accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the door and ignition and allow the car to start when turned. You can also make use of these keys to open the trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are cheapest and most common to replace. Your local locksmith will cut you one while you wait.

Key fobs were introduced in the late '90s and are made of plastic casings that have buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle (and in some cases activate the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys. Fobs can be reprogrammed by your local automotive locksmith however only after a new transponder chip as well as an additional transmitter are added to the key.

Many of us have had the misfortune of not having our keys while stressed or distracted. It might not be an issue if you left them in your seat if you took an Uber, cab, bus or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at home or at work, you could be putting your belongings and your family in danger.

If you have an extra key, take it out first. It might be hidden somewhere in your house or your bag, so it is worth doing a quick search. Also, think about returning to the place you left your vehicle to your place of work or residence.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database will not produce keys that work. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends having replacement automotive locks changed to the original key cuts whenever possible.

3. Check the door locks

You could have problems with the door locks if you have trouble starting your vehicle. The door locks might 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 kept in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to open the vehicle. You could also use a tool like 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 is working but won't turn on the ignition. If ignition barrel replacement near me is the case, you'll need to replace the batteries in the key fob and reprogram it if necessary.

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





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

It's not common for people to pick the wrong key off their table or their key ring when they're trying to start the car. It could be a challenge because certain keys are similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

It is possible to fix this issue at home with a simple cotton Swab that is dipped into rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter off the surface of the key that can prevent it from turning in the ignition or unlocking the doors.

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

4. Call a locksmith

It's terrifying to be locked out of your car, especially at night. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they've been stolen or lost you should call a locksmith.

A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized skills in all things related to locks and entry access. They are trained in the installation as well as the removal, repair and disassembly ignition cylinders, and doors.

The majority of people in this position try to save money by calling their local dealership to request an upgrade. This is typically an unwise choice. Most dealerships will charge you 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 decode your lock in an emergency. They will then design a new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will probably only require it to decode the lock so they can create a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and program a new one to start the vehicle.

If you have an transponder key the locksmith will require to gain access into your vehicle, and then use a special device to re-program the car's computer to be able 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 a computer chip to communicate with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip may be damaged by water, heat, battery issues, or any other reason. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle must be programmed to accept it. A good locksmith on the move can do this for you and make a key that will work well in the future.