Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost the ignition key, it's vital to look for all places you might have seen it. 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 inexpensive. A locksmith can create a 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 several factors that could cause your car key not to turn the ignition. The most important thing is that it might wear out. Over time the pins within the cylinder may become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the main reason that people are unable to start their cars.

A dead battery in the key fob could require replacement. This is a simple fix that can be done at your home. Purchase new batteries for your key fob and check whether it works in your car.

It is possible that your ignition switch is suffering from malfunction. The ignition switch is a part that powers certain components after inserting your car key in 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.

When you turn the ignition key and it pushes a set of tumblers into a specific arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit. When you turn your ignition key, it presses tumblers into a precise arrangement and closes the ignition circuit. This will then supply the starter motor with power for the engine to start.

Modern cars are equipped with an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the key to guard against theft of cars. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder key. When you insert a lock with 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 and allow the starter motor to turn.

If your car has transponder keys that is not a transponder key, it will be impossible to start it if the key fob battery fails. This is why it's always an excellent idea to have a spare key with you just in case! The majority of auto locksmith ignition replacement makers have a failsafe feature that can help you start your car in the event that the chip-encoded key is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are usually lost when you're in a rush or doing something that demands your attention. They can easily get misplaced when you're not paying attention and can result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it happens. There are steps you can take to get from frustration and panic back to your keys.

You may think that traditional keys are outdated however, they are available at your local auto dealer or locksmith. They are the standard keys that lock your ignition and door and start the engine when turned. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Keys made of traditional design are usually the most affordable to replace, and your local locksmith is likely to cut one while you wait.

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

We've all made the mistake of putting our keys in the wrong place when we're in a rush or distracted. If you were in a taxi or other ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft It may not have been a big problem if the keys were left on your seat. If you lose them at home, or at work, you could be putting your belongings and your family in danger.

Try your spare key first. You might find it in your bag or house. It is worth a quick glance. Consider retracing the steps you took from the place 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 changed or rekeyed then running your VIN through the key database won't produce a key that will work. This is the reason Guardian Safe & Lock recommends getting replacement automotive locks replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever it is possible.

3. Check the Door Lost Ignition Key Locks

If you're having trouble starting your car, there may be an issue with the door locks. The door locks could be locked or open with the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, you should have a backup key that came along with the vehicle. Keys are often kept in the key fob, or as a separate backup that you can use to open the vehicle. You could also try an instrument such as the Slim Jim to gain entry into your vehicle without causing damage to the locks on your doors or ignition switch.

If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, it could be due to the fact that the battery is dead. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries inside the key fob and reprogram it if necessary.

Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges can break off in the lock or the ignition cylinder. The wafers on the keys might not be fully engaged making it difficult to turn the ignition.

Another common problem with the car key is that it can sometimes switch on and off while it's in the ignition. This is because the internal components are wearing out and causing intermittent issues with the ignition switch.

It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly take the wrong key off their table or from their key rings when trying to start the car. This can cause problems because some keys look very similar, and you may be accidentally inserting the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

It is possible to fix this issue at home with a cotton swab that has been dipped in ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign materials from the surface of your key that could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you're still having trouble take a note of your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling locksmith. This increases the chances of finding someone to replace your car keys. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a panel located above the driver's chair, on the back of the engine block and in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Contact for a locksmith

It's scary to be locked out of your vehicle particularly at night. If you're not sure where your keys went, Lost Ignition Key or if you think your key has been lost or stolen the best thing to do is call a locksmith to come unlock your door.

A locksmith is an expert contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are certified to install, uninstall and repair doors locks, locks, and ignition cylinders.

A lot of people in this type of situation try to save money by calling their car dealer to get an entirely new set of keys, but this is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships will charge more than other shops or car parts stores, and it may take a while to get your keys.

You can locate a locksmith in an emergency and have them decode your lock or design a new one 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 will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will wipe the old key from the car's system, which means it won't be able to start until a new key is programmed to work with it.

The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This is known as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Transponder keys are used in the majority of cars today. They utilize a tiny plastic key with a computer-chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip can be damaged by water, heat or battery problems or any other cause. In this instance you'll need to replace the key and re-program the computer in your vehicle to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled will be able to create keys for you that will work in the future.