Five Lost Ignition Key Lessons From The Professionals

Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do If you lost the ignition key, it's vital to check all the places you could have seen it. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing the last time you were able to remember seeing the keys. Replacing an old-fashioned car key is easy and cost-effective. Locksmiths can make the new key immediately without the original. A key that is more technologically advanced like a smart key, transponder or switchblade will require roadside assistance. 1. Check the ignition There are many reasons the car key won't turn in the ignition. The most important thing is that it might wear out. Over time, the pins in the cylinder may become worn out, stopping it from turning. This is the most common reason for people not being capable of starting their car. Another possibility is that the key fob is a dead battery and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is a simple fix and can be done at home. Just purchase an additional battery for your key fob and see if it works in your car. It is possible that your ignition switch has an issue. The ignition switch is a component that provides power to certain components when you insert your car key in the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch will not start the car; it is only a means for the engine to start. When you turn the ignition key and it pushes a set of tumblers into a specific arrangement and closes an ignition circuit. When you turn the key into your ignition, it presses tumblers in a precise order and then closes an ignition circuit, which will then provide power to the starter motor to start the engine. Modern cars have an electronic chip inside the key head to stop car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly called transponder keys. When you insert a lock equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna ring. This unique code lets the computer of the engine to start the starter motor. If your car has transponder keys it is impossible to start it if the key fob battery dies. This is the reason it is always recommended to keep a spare key with you, just in case! Most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature that can aid you in starting your vehicle if the chip-encoded key is lost. 2. Check the Locks If you're 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 could easily get lost, leading to a stressful situation. There are steps you can take to get from anxiety and panic back to your keys. You might think traditional keys are outdated, but they are still available from your local auto dealer or locksmith. They are the standard keys that secure your door and ignition, and then start the engine when turned. You can also use them to open a trunk or glove box. The traditional keys are most affordable and easy to replace. A locksmith at your local will cut you one while you wait. Key fobs were first introduced in the early 1990s and are made of made of plastic with buttons that can lock and unlock your car (and in certain cases, set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices have physical keys 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 had the misfortune of not having our keys when we are in a hurry or distracted. If you were in a taxi or another ride-sharing services, like Uber or Lyft It may not have been a big issue if your keys were left on your seat. However, if you lose them at home or at work, you may put your possessions and your family members in danger. Check your spare key first. It could be hidden in your home or in your bag, so it is worth doing a quick search. Also, consider going back to where you left the vehicle to get to your workplace or home. Another alternative is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have been changed or rekeyed, running your VIN number through the key database won't produce an entirely new key that functions. This is why Guardian Safe & Lock recommends replacing automotive locks with keys that are replaced with keys that match the original cuts whenever it is possible. 3. Check the Door Locks You could have a problem with your door locks if you are having trouble starting your vehicle. ignition and key replacement could be open or locked with the key inside. If you have lost your car keys, you should have an additional key that was included with the vehicle. These keys are often hidden in the key fob or as a separate backup that you can use to unlock your vehicle. You can also use a device such as the Slim Jim in order to gain access to your vehicle without damaging the ignition switch or door locks. If the key fob works but it's not turning the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery has died. If this is the scenario, you'll have to replace the batteries in the key fob and re-programme it if needed. Over time keys for cars wear down and their edges may break off inside the lock or ignition cylinder. The wafers on the keys might not be fully engaged which makes it difficult to turn the ignition. The car key can sometimes turn on or off while in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are wearing out, causing intermittent issues. When people try to start their car, they often pick the wrong key by mistake from their key table or ring. It could be a challenge because some keys are very similar and you could accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition. You can fix this issue at home using a cotton Swab that is dipped into rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material from the surface of your key that could stop it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors. If you are still having trouble take a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of locating someone to replace your car key. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's seat, on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or on the door jamb. 4. Call for a locksmith It's scary to be locked out of your car particularly at night. If you don't know where your keys went, or if your keys are lost or stolen, the best thing to do is to call an locksmith to help you unlock your door. A locksmith is a skilled contractor who has specialized skills in everything related to locks and access to. They are educated in the installation of, removal, repair, and disassembly of locks ignition cylinders, and doors. A lot of people in this type of situation try to save money by calling their dealership to make new keys, but this is usually an unwise choice. The majority of dealerships charge more than other parts shops or shops, and it can take a long time to get the keys you need. Luckily, you can also locate locksmiths in the event of an emergency and ask them to decode your lock or create the 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 make a new key that will work with your vehicle. The locksmith will erase the old key off the car system, which means it can't start unless it is programmed to work with it. If you have a transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain access into your vehicle. They will then use a special device to reprogram your car's computer to be able to connect with the new key. This is known as “key fob replacement” or “all keys lost”. Most cars today come with transponder keys, which use tiny plastic heads with an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer. The chip may be damaged by heat, water or battery problems or any other reason. If this happens, you will need to replace the whole key and the car's computer must be programmed to accept it. A good locksmith on the move will be able to do this for you and create keys that work well in the future.