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Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It is crucial to examine all the places where you might have seen your ignition keys. Retrace your steps and try to remember what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing the traditional car key is simple and cost-effective. A locksmith can make a new car key without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology like a smart key, transponder or switchblade, will require assistance from a roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are many reasons the car key won't engage in the ignition. First, it could be worn. As time passes the pins in the cylinder may wear out and stop it from turning. This is the most common reason why people aren't able to start their car.

A dead battery on the key fob might require replacement. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and can be done at home. Purchase an additional battery for your key fob and see if it works in your car.

Lastly, it may be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is a component that powers certain components upon inserting your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that actually starts the car; it is only the one that allows the engine to start.

If you have a standard ignition key, it has a metal shaft that is placed into a plastic head or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the key on your ignition, it pushes tumblers into a precise arrangement and then closes an ignition circuit that will then provide power to the starter motor to start the engine.

Modern cars use a different system to prevent car theft using an electronic chip embedded in the head of the key. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a key with transponder into your ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna. This unique code will activate the engine's computer to allow the starter motor to turn.

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 fails. This is the reason it is always an excellent idea to have an extra key in your car, just in case! However, most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature to help get your car started in the event that the key with the chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

When you are in a hurry or doing something else that requires your attention, it's more likely that you'll lose your car keys. If you're not careful, they are easily lost which can lead to a stressful situation. There are steps you can take to avoid frustration and panic back to your keys.

It's possible to think that keys that were traditionally used are outdated but they're actually are available for purchase at your auto dealership or from an automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the ignition and door and start the car when turned. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the cheapest to replace, and your local locksmith will be able to cut one while you are waiting.

In the 1990s, key fobs were 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 include physical keys tucked inside. Fobs can be programmed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and a transmitter have been added to the key.

We've all been guilty of leaving our keys behind when we're in a rush or distracted. It might not be a big deal when you forgot keys in your seat in an Uber, cab, bus or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. If you are unable to locate them at home or at work, you may be putting your belongings and your family in danger.

If you have a spare key, test it first. It could be in your house or bag. It is worth a quick glance. You might want to retrace the steps you took from where 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 and rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't produce a new key that works. 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 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've lost your car keys, you must have a backup key that came with your vehicle. The keys are usually stored in the key fob or as a backup you can use to unlock your vehicle. You could also use a tool such as a 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 and key replacement, this could be because the battery is dead. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries on the key fob and re-programme it if needed.

Over time, car key edges wear out and break off in the lock or cylinder of ignition. This can make it difficult to turn the ignition because the wafers inside the key aren't engaged properly.

A car key can also sometimes turn on or off when in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems.

It's not uncommon for people to grab the wrong key from their table or rings when trying to get their car started. This can cause problems because certain keys look similar, and you may have accidentally inserted the wrong key into the ignition cylinder.

This is a quick fix you can perform at home: just clean the key using a cotton swab and some ruby alcohol. This will remove any foreign substances from the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking doors.

If you're still having issues, you should write down your VIN (vehicle identification number) before calling locksmith. This will give you a greater chance of finding someone who can assist you with replacing your car keys. Your VIN is usually found on your insurance card however, it's also in various other locations on the vehicle itself, 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 that runs between the carburetor and the windshield washer.

4. Call for a locksmith

Being locked out of your car can be terrifying, especially on a dark night. If you aren't sure where your keys went, or if your key is lost or stolen, the best thing to do is contact an locksmith ignition replacement cost to help you unlock your door.

A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized skills in all aspects of locks and entry access. They are certified to install, remove and repair doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Many people who find themselves in this position try to save money by calling their car dealership for a new set. This is typically an unwise choice. 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 locksmiths in the event of 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 need to use it to decode the lock so they can create a brand new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will take away the old key and then program a new one to start the vehicle.

The locksmith must enter your vehicle in order to reset the computer in the car to accept the new key. This process is called "key fob replacement" or "all keys lost".

Transponder keys are found in most cars today. They are a small plastic key that contains a computer chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key could be damaged by water, heat battery issues, or other factors that cause it not function properly. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key, and the computer in your vehicle needs to be reprogrammed to accept it. A reputable mobile locksmith will be able to accomplish this for you and make an appropriate key that will function well in the future.