lost ignition key (i was reading this)? Here's What to Do

It is crucial to examine every place you may have seen your ignition key. Retrace your footsteps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing a car key is simple and affordable. A locksmith can create an entirely new car key without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology like transponder, smart keys or switchblade, will require assistance at the roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are many reasons that could cause your car key not to turn the ignition. First, it could be worn. Over time, the pins inside of the cylinder can wear down and stop it from turning. This is the main reason why people are unable to start their vehicles.

A dead battery on the key fob might require replacement. This is a simple fix ignition switch that you can do at home. Buy new batteries for the key fob and check if it works with your car.

It is possible that your ignition switch has a fault. The ignition switch is an element that powers certain components after inserting your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to remember that the ignition switch will not start the vehicle; it only allows the engine to be started.

If you own a standard ignition key that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is inserted into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, in the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the key in your ignition, it forces a set of 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 employ a different system to prevent car theft that utilizes an electronic chip built into the head of the key. They are also referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a lock with a transponder into your ignition, it sends an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code will activate the engine's computer to allow the starter motor to turn.

If your car has a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery on the key fob goes out. It is always a good idea to keep a spare car ignition key replacement key in your possession to be prepared in the event of. However, most auto manufacturers build in a failsafe to help get your car going if the key that contains the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

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

You might think that keys that were traditionally used are outdated but they're still around and available to purchase from your local auto dealer or an automotive locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure your ignition and door, and then start the engine once you turn. You can also use them to open a trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the cheapest to replace, and your local locksmith is likely cut a key while you are waiting.

Key fobs first came into use in the late '90s, and they are plastic casings that have buttons that lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain instances they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys. The local locksmith in your area can reprogram fobs, but only after adding a new transmitter and transponder chip to the key.

Many of us have been guilty of omitting our keys when in a hurry or distracted. It's not a big deal when you forgot them in your seat if you took a taxi, subway or bus, or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. However, if you 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. You might find it in your bag or house. It's worth a quick search. Think about retracing the steps that you took from the point you parked your vehicle to your home or workplace.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database won't result in an appropriate key. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks replaced with keys that match the original cuts as often as is possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

If you're experiencing difficulty getting your car ignition switch repair started, it could be a problem with the door locks. The door locks might be locked or open by using the key inside. If you lose your car keys, there should be a backup key that was included 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 using a tool like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without damaging the door locks or the ignition switch.

If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery has died. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the batteries in the key fob and reprogramme it if required.

Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break in the lock or ignition cylinder. This can make it difficult to turn the ignition as the wafers in the key aren't properly engaged.

The car key can occasionally turn off or on while in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing out and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.

When people are trying to start their car, they typically grab the wrong key by mistake from their key ring or table. It could be a challenge because certain keys are alike and you might accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a simple fix that you can make at home: simply clean the key using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you're still having issues, write down your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of finding someone to replace your car keys. The VIN will usually be on your insurance card, however, it's also in a few other places on the vehicle, such as on a panel above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block, in the trunk or the door jamb and on the frame that runs between the carburetor and the windshield washer.

4. Contact a locksmith

Being locked out of your car can be an extremely stressful situation, particularly on a dark night. If you don't know where your keys are, or if they have been stolen or lost, it is best to call a locksmith.

Locksmiths are professional contractor who is skilled in all aspects of locks and entry access. They are trained to install, remove and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

A lot of people in this kind of situation will try to save money by calling their dealership to get an entirely new set of keys, but this is usually not a good idea. Most dealerships will charge you much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it might take a while to get your keys.

Luckily, you can also locate a locksmith in an emergency and let them decode your lock or design a new one for you. If you have a spare key, the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock, so they can create a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key off the car's system, which means it will not be able to start the car ignition lock until a new key is programmed to work with it.

If you own a transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain entry into your vehicle, and 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 have transponder keys that use tiny plastic heads with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip in the key may be damaged by water, heat battery issues, or other reasons that make it malfunction. In this case you'll have to replace the key and reprogram the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A good locksmith on the move can do this for you and create a key that will work well in the future.