Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

It's important to look in all the places where you may have seen your ignition key replacement cost keys. Retrace your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing a car key is simple and cost-effective. Locksmiths can create a new car key without the original. A key that is more advanced in technology, such as a smart key, transponder or switchblade, will require assistance at the roadside.

1. Check the ignition

There are many reasons your car key doesn't engage in the ignition. The most important thing is that it may wear out. As time passes the pins in the cylinder may wear out and prevent it from turning. This is the most common reason why people are unable to start their vehicles.

Another possibility is that the key fob has a dead battery that needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it is an easy fix that is done at home. Buy a new key fob battery and verify that it is compatible with your car.

It is possible that your ignition switch is suffering from malfunction. The ignition switch is an electrical device that supplies power to certain components when you insert your car ignition key replacement key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to note that the ignition switch does not start the car; it only allows the engine to be started.

If you own an ordinary ignition key with a metal shaft that is placed into a head made of plastic, or cylinder, inside the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the ignition key, it pushes tumblers into an exact arrangement, and then shuts off the ignition circuit. This then supplies power to the starter motor to allow the engine to start.

Modern cars use a different method to stop theft of cars using an electronic chip embedded in the head of the key. Keys with transponders are also referred to as transponder keys. When you insert a key equipped with a transponder inside the ignition, it sends 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 a transponder, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob fails. This is why it is always recommended to keep an extra key in your car just in case! The majority of auto makers offer a failsafe to aid you in starting your car in the event that the key with a chip is lost.

2. Check the Locks

Car keys are typically lost when you're in a hurry or are doing something that demands your attention. They can easily get misplaced if you're not careful and result in stress when it occurs. There are steps you can take to get from stress and anxiety back to your keys.

You may think that traditional keys are outdated however, they are available from your local auto ignition key replacement dealer or automotive locksmith. These are keys that lock your ignition and door and also start the engine when you turn it. You can also make use of these keys to open your 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 sit.

Key fobs were first introduced in the '90s and are made of plastic casings with 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 that are tucked inside. Fobs can be programmed by your local locksmith however, only after the transponder chip has been replaced and an additional transmitter are added to the key.

Many of us have been guilty of forgetting our keys while stressed or distracted. If you were in a taxi or another ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, it might not have been a big issue if your keys were left on the seat. If you do lose them at home or at work, you could put your belongings and your family members in danger.

Start by looking for your spare key. It may be hidden in your home or in your bag, making it worth doing a quick search. You might want to retrace the steps you took from the point you parked your car to your home or workplace.

Another option is to run your VIN number through the key database. If your locks have already been rekeyed or replaced, running your VIN through the key database won't result in an appropriate key. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that the replacement locks for automotive be re-keyed according to the original key cut whenever it is possible.

3. Check the Door Locks

You could have an issue with your door locks if are having trouble starting your vehicle. The door locks might be locked or open with the key inside. If you lose your car keys there should be a backup key that came along with the vehicle. The keys are located in the key fob or as a backup you can use to open your vehicle. You can also try using tools like a Slim Jim to gain entry into your car without causing damage to the locks on your doors or the ignition switch.

If the key fob is working, but it won't turn the ignition, it could be because the battery is dead. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the batteries on the key fob and re-programme it if needed.

Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside the lock or ignition cylinder. The wafers that make up the key might not be engaged properly making it difficult to turn the ignition.

Another issue that is common to the car key is that it might switch on and off while it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, causing intermittent issues.

It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly take the wrong key off their table or from their key rings when trying to get their car started. This could be a problem because certain keys are alike and you might accidentally insert the wrong key into the ignition.

This is a quick fix that you can do at home: just clean the key with an alcohol-based swab or cotton swab, and then rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of the key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you are still having trouble make a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This will increase the likelihood of finding someone to replace your car key. You can find your VIN on your insurance card. It's also on a panel above the driver's chair, on the back of the engine block and in the trunk or on the door jamb.

4. Call a locksmith

It's scary to be locked out of your vehicle especially at night. If you don't know where your keys are or if they have been lost or stolen you should contact a locksmith.

Locksmiths are skilled contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are trained to install, remove, fix and take apart doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders.

Many people who find themselves in this situation try to save money and call their car dealership for the new set. This is typically not a good idea. The majority of dealerships charge more than other parts stores or shops, and it can take some time to receive the keys you need.

You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your lock in an emergency. They can then make an additional key for you. The locksmith will likely only require the spare key to decode the lock, and they can create a new key for your car. The locksmith will remove the old key from the car's system, which means it won't be able to start until the new key is programmed to work with it.

The locksmith will have to enter your vehicle in order to program the computer of the vehicle to accept the new key. This is a procedure known as "all key lost" or "key fob replacement".

Today, most cars have transponder keys that use tiny plastic heads with an electronic chip that communicates with the car ignition replacement's immobilizer. The chip may be damaged due to water, heat or battery problems, or any other reason. If this happens, you'll need to replace the whole key and the vehicle's computer has to be changed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled will be able create an appropriate key that will work in the future.