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Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

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

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

1. Check the ignition

There are a few different reasons that could cause your car key to not to turn in the ignition. It could be due to worn. As time passes the pins within the cylinder may wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the most common cause of people not being in a position to start their vehicle.

Another possibility is that the key fob has a dead battery that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and is done at home. Just purchase a new battery for your key fob and see whether it works in your car.

In the end, it could be that your ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch is a component that supplies power to specific components when you insert your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch does not actually start the vehicle, it allows the engine to be started.

If you own an ordinary ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is fitted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, within the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the ignition key, it forces tumblers in a specific arrangement and closes the ignition circuit. This will then supply power to the starter motor so that the engine can begin.

Modern cars have an electronic chip that is embedded inside the key head to guard against theft of cars. These keys are also known as transponder keys. When you place a key with a transponder into the ignition, it sends an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will allow the computer in the engine to start the starter motor.

If your car is equipped with transponder keys that is not a transponder key, it will be impossible to start it in the event that the battery for the key fob is dead. This is why it's always recommended to keep an extra key on hand just in case! The majority of auto makers offer a failsafe to aid you in starting your vehicle if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

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

You may think that traditional keys are no longer needed, but they are still available from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are keys that secure your door and ignition, and start the engine when you turn it. You can also use them to unlock a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easiest to replace. A locksmith at your local can cut you a key while you are waiting.

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 reprogram fobs, but only after adding a new transmitter and transponder chip to the key.

We've all been guilty of forgetting our keys while in a rush or distracted. If you were in a taxi or another ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft, it may not have been an issue if your keys were left on the seat. If you lose them at home or at work it could put your family and possessions in danger.

Check your spare key first. It may be hidden in your home or bag, making it worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the point you parked your car to your home or workplace.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. However, if your locks have been altered or changed, running your VIN number through the key database won't generate an original key that functions. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed according to the original key cut as often as is feasible.

3. Check the door locks

There could be a problem with your door locks if are having trouble getting your car started. They could be unsecured or locked with the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, there should be a backup key that came along with the vehicle. These keys can be found in the key fob, or as backup keys that you can use to open your vehicle. You can also try tools such as a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without causing damage to the door locks or ignition switch.

The battery may be dead If the key fob is working but isn't able to turn on the ignition. You'll need to replace batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if required.

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

The car key can occasionally turn off or on when it is 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.





When people attempt to start their vehicle, they usually grab the wrong key by mistake from their key table or ring. It could be a challenge because certain keys are similar, and you may accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a simple fix that you can do at home: just wipe down the key with an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign matter off the surface of the key, which could prevent it from turning in the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you still have trouble, write down your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will give you a better chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. You can locate your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's seat on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.

4. Call a locksmith

Being locked out of your vehicle is terrifying, especially in the dark of night. If you don't know where your keys went or if your keys are lost or stolen, the best thing to do is call locksmiths to unlock your door.

ignition lock repair is an expert contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, uninstall or repair and dismantle doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

A lot of people in this type of situation will try to save money by calling their car dealership to make new keys however this is generally not a good idea. Most dealerships will charge you more than other shops or car parts stores, and it may take a while to obtain your keys.

You can also call a locksmith to unlock your lock in case of emergency. They can then create a new key for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will likely require it to decode the lock so that they can create a new key that can work with your vehicle. The locksmith will take out the old key and then program the new one to start the vehicle.

If you have a transponder key the locksmith will require to gain access into your vehicle, and then employ a specific device to re-program the car's computer to connect with the new key. This is known as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of cars in the present. They utilize a tiny plastic key that has a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip may be damaged by heat, water, battery issues or any other cause. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key and the vehicle's computer needs to be reprogrammed to accept it. A good locksmith on the move will be able to do this for you and make a key that will work well in the future.