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Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do

If you lost your ignition key, you need to look for all places you might have seen it. Follow your steps and try to recall what you were doing when you last saw the keys.

Replacing the traditional car key is easy and affordable. Locksmiths can create an entirely new car key without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key like the switchblade, transponder or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace.

1. Check the Ignition

There are a few different things that can cause your car keys not to turn the ignition. First, it could be worn. Over time the pins in the cylinder may wear out and stop it from turning. This is the main reason why people aren't able to start their car.

A dead battery in the key fob could need to be replaced. This is a simple fix that can be completed at home. Buy a new key fob battery and check if it works with your car.

It could also be that your ignition switch is defective. The ignition switch is an electrical component that provides power to specific components when you insert your car keys into the ignition cylinder. The ignition switch is not the one that starts the car, it is 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 forces tumblers into an exact arrangement, and then shuts off the circuit for ignition. This then supplies power to the starter motor for the engine to start.

Modern cars have a new system to protect against theft of cars using an electronic chip that is embedded into the key head. These keys are often called transponder keys. When you insert a key with transponder into your ignition, it transmits an identification code to the car's antenna. This code is unique and will activate the engine's computer, allowing the starter motor to turn over.

If your car has transponder technology, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery in the key fob fails. It is always a good idea to have an extra car key on hand, just in case. However, the majority of auto makers include a failsafe to ensure that your car is 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's more likely that you will lose your car ignition key replacement keys. They can easily get misplaced when you're not paying attention and result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can follow to avoid frustration and panic back to your keys.

It's possible to think that keys like the old-fashioned ones are a thing of the past but they're still are available for purchase at your local auto locksmith ignition replacement dealer or an automotive locksmith. These are keys that secure your door and ignition, and then start the engine once you turn. They can also be used to unlock your trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the least expensive to replace, and your local locksmith should be able to cut one while you sit.

Key fobs were introduced in the late '90s and are made of plastic casings that have buttons that can lock and unlock your vehicle (and in certain cases they can set off the alarm or open the trunk). Some of these devices include keys that are actually made. The locksmith at your local auto ignition key replacement shop can reprogramme fobs, but only after adding an additional transponder and transmitter chip to the key.

We've all made the mistake of leaving our keys behind when we're in a rush 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. If you do are unable to locate them at home or at work, you could put your belongings and your family members in danger.

If you have an extra key, you can take it out first. It could be in your bag or house. It's worth a quick glance. Also, consider going back to where you left your vehicle to the workplace or home.

You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been altered or changed, running your VIN number through the key database won't create an entirely new key that functions. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed according to the original key cut as often as is feasible.

3. Check the Door Locks

You could have a problem with your door locks if you are having trouble getting your vehicle started. They could be unsecured or locked with the key inside. If you lose your car keys, you should have a spare key that came along with the vehicle. These keys can be found in the key fob or as backup keys 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 causing damage the ignition switch or door locks.

If the key fob is working but it's not turning the ignition, this could be due to the fact that the battery is dead. You'll need to replace the batteries in the keyfob and reprogramme the device if required.

Over time, car key edges wear out and break off in the ignition cylinder or lock. The wafers that make up the key may not be properly engaged, making it difficult to turn the ignition.

Another issue that is common to car keys is that it might switch on and off while it's in the ignition. This is due to the fact that the internal components are wearing out and can cause intermittent problems with the ignition switch.

When people are trying to start their car, they often take the wrong key from their key table or ring. This can lead to problems since certain keys look similar and you could be accidentally inserting the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder.

This is a quick fix that you can do at home: simply clean the key using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign material off the surface of the key that can stop it from turning the ignition or unlocking the doors.

If you still have trouble, write down your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before you call a locksmith. This increases the chances of finding someone to replace your car key. The VIN can be found on your insurance card. It's also on a piece of paper above the driver's chair, on the back of the engine block, in the trunk, or on the door jamb.

4. Call an expert locksmith

Being locked out of your vehicle is terrifying, especially in the dark of night. If you don't know where your keys are or if they've been stolen or lost you should call a locksmith.

Locksmiths are skilled contractor with specialized knowledge in locks and access. They are trained to install, remove and repair ignition lock cylinder doors, locks, and ignition cylinders.

Most people who find themselves in this kind of situation attempt to save money and then call their local dealership to request an upgrade. This is typically an unwise choice. Most dealerships charge a lot more than other car parts stores or shops and it can take some time to receive the keys you require.

Luckily, you can also find a locksmith in an emergency and let them decode your lock or create a new one for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith will probably only require it to decode the lock so that they can create a brand new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key and program the new one to start the vehicle.

If you own a transponder key, the locksmith will need to gain access into your vehicle, then use a special device to re-program the computer in your car to communicate to the new key. This procedure is referred to as "key fob replacement" or "all key lost".

Most cars today come with transponder keys, which use tiny plastic heads with a computer chip to communicate with the immobilizer of the car. The chip may be damaged due to water, heat and battery issues or any other reason. In this case you'll have to replace the key and re-program the vehicle's computer to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is knowledgeable will be able create an appropriate key that will function in the future.