Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It is important to check all the places where you may have seen your ignition keys. Retrace your footsteps and Lost Ignition Key try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

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

1. Check the Ignition

There are many factors that could cause your car key to not to turn on the ignition cylinder lock repair. First, it could be worn. Over time, the pins in the cylinder can become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the primary reason why people aren't able to start their vehicles.

A dead battery on the key fob may also need to be replaced. If this is the case, it's an easy fix and can be done at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob, and test whether it works in your car.

It could be that your ignition switch is suffering from a fault. The ignition switch is a component that supplies power to specific components upon inserting your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not start the vehicle; it allows the engine to start.

If you own an ignition key that is standard with a metal shaft that is fitted into a plastic head or cylinder, within your vehicle's ignition. When you turn the key in your ignition, it pushes tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit that will then supply power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars have a new system to protect against theft of cars using an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. They are also referred to as transponder key. When you insert a key equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code will allow the engine's computer turn on the starter motor.

If your car has a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob fails. This is why it's always an excellent idea to have a spare key with you, just in case! The majority of auto makers have a failsafe that will aid you in starting your vehicle if the key with chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys usually get lost when you're in a hurry or are doing something that demands your attention. If you're not careful they could easily get lost which can lead to a stressful situation. There are ways to go from frustration and panic to finding your keys again.

You might think that traditional keys are a thing of the past but they're still are available for purchase at your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the door and ignition and allow the car to start when you turn it. They can also be used to open a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easy to replace. The locksmith in your neighborhood can cut you one while you wait.

Key fobs were introduced in the '90s, and they are plastic casings that have buttons that can lock and unlock your car (and in certain instances they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys that are tucked inside. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.

Many of us have been guilty of forgetting our keys when we are stressed or distracted. If you were in a taxi or a ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft It could not have been an issue if your keys were left on your seat. If you do lose them at home or at work, you may put your possessions and your family members in danger.

If you have a spare key, test it first. It could be hidden in your house or your bag, making it worth a quick search. You might want to retrace the steps you took from the point you parked your vehicle until your home or workplace.

Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been altered or rekeyed and rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database will not generate a new key that works. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed according to the original key cut whenever possible.

3. Check the door locks

You could have problems with your door locks if have trouble getting your car started. The door locks might be locked or opened with the key inside. If you lose your car keys you should have a backup key that came along with the vehicle. These keys are often stored in the key fob, or as a backup you can use to unlock the vehicle. You can also use a tool like the Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be because the battery has failed. If this is the scenario, lost ignition key you'll have to replace the batteries in the key fob and reprogramme it if required.

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

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

It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly take the wrong key off their table or their key ring while trying to start the car. It could be a challenge since some keys are similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

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

If you're still having trouble take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before contacting a locksmith. This increases the chances of locating someone to replace your car key. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's seat on the engine block's back and in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Call a locksmith

It's a nightmare to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you don't know the location of your keys, or if your key is lost or stolen the best thing to do is contact a locksmith to come unlock your door.

A locksmith is an expert contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained in the installation, removal, repair and disassembly ignition cylinders, and doors.

Many people in this kind of situation will try to save money by calling their dealership to create new keys but this is usually a bad idea. The majority of dealerships will charge much more than other shops or parts stores, and it may take a while to obtain your keys.

Luckily, you can also locate locksmiths in times of need and let them decode your lock or design an entirely new key for you. The locksmith will most likely require the spare key to decode the lock, and they can create a brand new key for your car. The locksmith will take away the old key and program an entirely new one to begin the vehicle.

If you have a transponder key locksmiths will require to gain entry into your vehicle, then employ a specific device to reprogram the computer in your car to communicate with the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Transponder keys are utilized in a majority of automobiles nowadays. They are a small plastic key that has a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip inside the key can be damaged by heat, water and battery problems, as well as other factors that cause it to stop working properly. In this case you'll have to replace the key and re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A locksmith on the move who is knowledgeable can create a key for you that will function in the future.