How To Start A Car Without A Key?

We all lose our car keys occasionally, but how will you start your vehicle if you can’t find it? Can you start your car without a key? Without the proper key, modern cars are nearly impossible to start. Using a screwdriver and a hammer, you can frequently start an older car’s engine without a key. The information in this article will teach you how to start a car without a key.

How Do Car Locks Work?

All electronic car locks have common features. The lock operates by an actuator receiving a radio signal from a key fob. The actuator then sends a command and executes it, opening and closing the door. locks or unlock the vehicle.

After being turned on, the actuator unit moves the actuator rods in the direction of the lock mechanism. On the back of the door lock mechanism, the rod now presses against the lock open switch. When the lock mechanism’s jaws are struck by the center pillar, the pressure that is created causes them to release. It links the locking mechanism and door handles. When you lift the lever on the inside or outside door handle, it will open.

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Different Types Of Car Keys

Technology for car keys advances along with the sophistication of cars. Car keys have been enhanced with more security features as they became more convenient to use, making it more difficult for thieves to steal cars.

Ordinary Key

Most of the older generation of cars still use the traditional key, which is similar to padlock keys and door keys. These keys have a distinctive design that makes them fit perfectly into the doors, lids, and caps of various automobiles.

The conventional key provides the least security because it is simple for any locksmith to duplicate.

Remote-controlled Ordinary Key

With this kind of key, you can remotely lock and unlock your car door while standing outside using the built-in remote. The key is also connected to an alarm system that makes it easier to locate the car in a crowded parking lot and deters thieves from attempting to break into a locked door.

Chip Key

The receiver in the car receives a signal from the radio frequency chip that is attached to this key. The vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer that prevents it from starting unless the proper signal is sent to the receiver.

Smart Key

Keyless entry is a benefit of smart keys for automobiles. When the key is brought close to the door, the receiver in the car has a proximity sensor that allows it to automatically unlock and turn on the ignition with the push of a button.

With the smart key, you can program a lot of different things. They have the ability to turn on and off devices like the stereo and air conditioning.

Digital Key

A mobile app is used to operate the door locks, ignition, and other features of cars with digital keys. The most secure type of key is one that can operate all of the vehicle’s features via a mobile device.

When Do You Need To Start A Car Without The Key?

There might be instances where starting the car without a key is necessary. For security reasons, car manufacturers typically make this process more difficult. They simply don’t want a thief to rob your car.

There are numerous ways to start a car without a key, though. Here are a few examples:

The Car Key Is Lost

When the owner of the car loses or misplaces the key, that is the most frequent reason for trying to start the car without the key. When you are away from home and do not have access to a spare key, losing a key can be very inconvenient. The techniques mentioned above are applicable here.

Faulty Ignition Switch

The majority of the wiring and electronics in a car are located around the ignition switch. Turning the key activates the ignition switch, allowing power to flow from the battery to the starter motor to start the engine.

The ignition coil and ECU are both powered by the ignition switch. You might need to use one of the hot wiring or red coil wire methods to start your car if it turns out that the ignition switch is broken.

How To Start A Car Without A Key?

Modern automobiles have immobilizers, so the original key must be close to the ignition switch in this situation. These methods won’t work because the vehicle won’t start if the transponder in the key does not unlock the immobilizer. However, they function well with older vehicles devoid of an immobilizer.

Screwdriver/Hammer

You can start the engine with a screwdriver and hammer or dill, but you must exercise caution. Your actions could harm the ignition switch of the vehicle.

You can disable the lock pins by using this common method. The key mechanism will be harmed as a result, necessitating replacement. The ignition’s inner flap starting point must be reached. You must insert about 2/3 of an inch into the keyhole to do this. To access the area, use your drill or hammer.

Once you have access, try turning the ignition by inserting the screwdriver head. Any flat piece of metal may work if a screwdriver is not nearby.

Hotwire Engine

However, it should work with the majority of models up to the 1990s. You cannot hotwire a newer vehicle. You can get around the ignition system using this technique.

Remove the plastic cover from the steering column. On each side, there are screws. You should now have access to the ignition system of the vehicle.

Before attempting to hotwire it, though, make sure the wiring is correct by consulting a wiring diagram. Electrical components can be completely destroyed by faulty wiring.

Before continuing, put on insulated or protective gloves. Red wires for the battery are typical, while brown or yellow wires are used for the ignition. The battery and power wire ends should be cut. The engine should start if you twist the battery wire end onto the power wire.

Red Coil Wire

If you are knowledgeable about car mechanics, you might be able to use the red coil wire method on your old vehicle. Obtaining the wiring diagram for your car is advisable for your own safety as each model may vary. Anything that might be damaged shouldn’t have power applied to it.

The red coil wire can be found under the hood of the car. The positive battery terminal should be linked to the red coil wire using a jump starter cable. It is also known as the coil’s “positive side.”

You will directly apply 12 volts of power to the coil using this method. To find the starter solenoid wire, you must enter the steering wheel. Attach this to the battery’s positive terminal. The engine should start cranking once the solenoid wire is given power.

Conclusion

There are a few ways to start the car if you’ve lost your key, and it’s a regular, conventional key. Even if you misplaced your car key, you can now start your vehicle.