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Lost Ignition Key? Here's What to Do It's important to look in 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 an old-fashioned car key is easy and cost-effective. A locksmith can create a new car key without the original. However, a more technologically advanced key, such as the switchblade, transponder or smart key will require roadside assistance to replace. 1. Check the Ignition There are many things that can cause your car key to not to turn in the ignition. The most important thing is that it could be worn out. As time passes the pins inside the cylinder can be worn out, preventing it from turning. This is the primary reason why people are unable to start their cars. A dead battery inside the key fob might need to be replaced. If this is the case, it is an easy fix and can be done at home. Simply buy a new battery for your key fob and check if it works in your car. It is possible that your ignition switch is suffering from an issue. The ignition switch is a component that supplies power to specific components upon inserting your car key into the ignition cylinder. It is important to know that the ignition switch will not actually start the vehicle, it is only a means for the engine to be started. If you have an ordinary ignition key that is made of metal, it has a shaft that is fitted into a plastic head or cylinder, within the ignition of your vehicle. When you turn the ignition key, it forces tumblers in a specific arrangement and closes the ignition circuit. Then, it will supply power to the starter motor so that the engine can start. Modern cars have an electronic chip embedded inside the key head to stop car theft. Keys with transponders are commonly called transponder keys. When you insert a key with transponder inside your ignition, it transmits an identification code to your car's antenna. This unique code will allow the computer in the engine to turn on the starter motor. If your car has transponder technology, you will not be in a position to start it once the battery on the key fob goes out. It is always a smart idea to keep an extra car key in your possession, just in case. However, most auto manufacturers have a failsafe feature to ensure that your car is started if the key with the chip is lost. 2. Check the Locks Car keys are typically lost when you're in a hurry or performing something that requires your attention. They are easily lost if you're not careful and can result in an anxiety-inducing situation when it occurs. There are steps you can take to avoid panic and stress to finding your keys again. You may think that traditional keys are no longer needed, but they are still accessible from your local auto dealer or automotive locksmith. These are standard keys which lock the ignition and door and then start the car when turned. You can also make use of these keys to open the trunk or glove box. Traditional keys are generally the least expensive to replace and your local locksmith is likely cut a key while you sit. In the 1990s, key fobs were popular. They are plastic casings with buttons for locking and unlocking the car (and, in some cases, to activate the alarm or open your trunk). Some of these devices come with physical keys. The locksmith at your local auto shop can reprogram fobs but only after adding the new transponder and transmitter chip to the key. We have all been guilty of leaving our keys behind when we're in a hurry or distracted. It's not an issue if you left keys in your car in a subway, taxi or bus, or even a ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you lose them at home or at work it could put your family's belongings and personal belongings in danger. Try your spare key first. You may find it in your house or bag. It's worth a quick look. Also, consider retracing your steps from where you left your vehicle to get to your home or work place. You can also run your VIN through the key database. If your locks have been rekeyed or changed, running your VIN through the key database won't produce keys that work. Guardian Safe & Lock recommends that replacement automotive locks be re-keyed in accordance with the original key cut whenever possible. 3. Check the door locks You may have an issue with your door locks if are having difficulty starting your vehicle. They may be open or locked with the key inside. If you've lost your car keys, you should have a backup key that came with the car. These keys can be found in the key fob or as a backup you use to unlock your vehicle. You can also use a device like a 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 won't turn the ignition, it could be due to the fact that the battery is dead. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the batteries on the key fob and reprogram it if necessary. Over time keys to cars wear out and their edges can break off inside the lock or the ignition cylinder. This can make it difficult to turn the ignition as the wafers in the key aren't engaged properly. Another issue that is common to car keys is that it may switch off and on when it's in the ignition. The internal components of the ignition switch are deteriorating, leading to intermittent problems. It's not uncommon for people to mistakenly pick the wrong key off their table or from their key rings when trying to start the car. This can cause problems because keys that look identical and you might be accidentally inserting the wrong key into the ignition key cylinder. You can fix this issue at home with a cotton Swab that is dipped into rubbing alcohol. This will remove any foreign materials from the surface of your key, which could hinder it from turning the ignition on or unlocking doors. If you still have trouble take a note of your VIN number (vehicle ID number) before calling a locksmith. This will increase your chance of finding someone who can assist you in replacing your car keys. The VIN will usually be located on your insurance card however, it's also found in a few other places on the vehicle, such as on a panel just above the driver's seat and on the back of the engine block in the trunk, or the door jamb, and on the frame between the carburetor and windshield washer. 4. Call for a locksmith Being locked out of your car can be a scary situation, especially in the dark of night. If you don't know where your keys are or if they've been stolen or lost it is recommended to call a locksmith. A locksmith is a skilled contractor with extensive knowledge of locks and access. They are certified to install, remove, fix and take apart doors as well as locks and ignition cylinders. A lot of people in this kind of situation try to save money by calling their dealership to make new keys but this is usually an unwise choice. key ignition replacement will charge you much more than other shops or car parts stores, and it could take a while to obtain your keys. It is possible to find locksmiths in times of need and have them unlock your lock or make the new one for you. If you have a spare key the locksmith may only require it to decode the lock so that they can make a new key that works with your vehicle. The locksmith will remove the old key and program a new one to start the vehicle. The locksmith will need to enter your vehicle in order to program the computer of the car to accept the new key. This process is called “key fob replacement” or “all key lost”. Transponder keys are used in most cars today. They use a small plastic key with a computer-chip to communicate with an immobilizer. The chip in the key can be damaged by heat, water, battery problems, or other factors that cause it to stop working properly. If this happens, you will have to replace the entire key, and the computer in your vehicle must be programmed to accept it. A mobile locksmith who is skilled will be able create an appropriate key that will work in the future.