To start your car, you need a key. It requires bypassing the ignition lock to start without a key, which should only be done when you’ve lost your key. It can only be done by attaching the starter cord to the connection after connecting the ignition cord to the battery cord.
The procedure is easy for cars made before 1990, as those made after have immobilisers and alarms that must be ignored.
Today’s automobile makers have developed keyless entry and push-button starts, which limit how far away the driver must be from the smart device to operate the vehicle. You are no longer necessary to manually unlock the car. Well, in this article, we’ll be discussing the answers to the following questions:
- How can one start a car without a key?
- Can you always get a replacement car key?
- How much does it cost to get a replacement car key?
Let’s begin!
Related: How to Unlock Your Car Door Without the Key?
How Can You Start a Car Without a Key?
If you’re out of town and don’t have a spare, losing your key or having an ignition issue that prevents the engine from starting can be very annoying. Let’s look at some methods for starting an automobile without a key.
Hammer and Screwdriver Method:
You can start your car easily and effectively with just a screwdriver and hammer. Just be aware that this method can permanently damage the ignition switch on your car. You need hammers and Flathead screwdrivers. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the Screwdriver: line up your screwdriver in the keyhole with caution, letting it rest on the edges.
- Hammer it: Use the hammer to hit the screwdriver’s handle. Pins will break as a result.
- Start the Car: Once the pins are broken, you should be able to turn the ignition with the screwdriver just like a key.
Screwdriver Method:
A screwdriver is one of the most popular items you can use to start your car without a key. It’s an effortless operation that doesn’t call for a lot of auto expertise. To accomplish this, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the Screws: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws surrounding your keyhole in the steering column. After that, take off the plastic rim that’s around your keyhole.
- Remove the Bolts: Your ignition switch is held to the steering column by a number of bolts. To unlock your steering wheel, take them off.
- Remove the Electrical Screws: The screws holding the components of the ignition switch together should then be removed.
- Start the Car: You might try to start your car after removing your screws. Turn the screwdriver after inserting it into your ignition.
Scissors Method:
Using scissors is another way to start your car without a key. But the procedure could seriously damage your ignition. Here’s how to do it:
- Get the Right Scissors: Find a pair of scissors with a blade that is small and narrow enough to fit into the keyhole on your ignition.
- Insert the Blade: Insert one of the scissor blades into your ignition and move it around until you feel it settle or fall into position.
- Start the Car: Twist when you believe the scissor blade is in the proper position. If your car starts, your effort was successful.
Related: How To Turn Off Ford MyKey
Hotwiring Method:
Another way to start your car without a key is by hotwiring it. Nevertheless, you should only try this approach if you have prior car experience. A flathead screwdriver, wire remover, an owner’s manual or access to the internet, and electrical tape are required. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the Screws: To remove the screws in the steering column cover, use a drill or a screwdriver. These screws can be found on either side of the steering column.
- Take out the Access Panel: You must also remove the access panel after removing the steering column cover. It should simply pull out, exposing the ignition wires.
- The next step is to identify the wires attached to your ignition. Red battery cables are typically easy to separate because of their colour. However, because ignition wire colours might vary, you’ll need to check the owner’s manual or the internet to find out what colour your ignition wires are.
- Strip the Wires: Cut a little piece of the insulation off the ignition wires using your wire stripper. Then, join the two exposed wires with a twist. Your car’s interior should start to illuminate.
- Find the Starter Wire: Please locate the starter wire and carefully remove a portion of the insulation. Once you’ve finished, connect it to the two ignition wires you just twisted together. Don’t twist it together because it is a live wire or you may receive a painful shock.
- Secure the Wires: To prevent any accidental shocks, secure the starter wire’s end with a small piece of electrical tape.
Red Coil Wire Method:
If you are familiar with auto mechanics, the red coil wire technique is a good choice. This method requires you to open the hood and probe in certain areas, a task best suited for professionals. The benefit of this method is that it works for both key-operated and START/STOP button-equipped cutting-edge cars. You’ll need a drill, a flathead screwdriver, jumper cables, an owner’s handbook, or an Internet connection.
- Find the Red Wire: The first step is to locate the red wire that will connect to your ignition coil. Please identify it, and then connect one end of your jumper cable to it and the other to the positive battery terminal. Some of the electronics and lights on your dash might start to flicker.
- Unlock Your Steering Wheel: To unlock your steering wheel, remove the steering column cover with the use of a drill or screwdriver and find the locking pin. Press the pin with your flathead screwdriver. You should be able to turn the wheel once the pin releases.
- Connect the Solenoid: You ought to be able to see the starter solenoid once you’ve taken off the steering column cover and unlocked the wheel. You should attach the solenoid to the other end of your jumper line. Your car should start after that.
Can You Always Get a Replacement Car Key?
In most cases, it is possible to get a replacement car key. But the process and price may vary based on the car’s make and model, the key type, and the availability of key replacement services nearby.
You will be able to get a replacement key created at a hardware store or locksmith if you have a spare key. A key duplication machine can frequently be used to duplicate the key.
You might need to get in touch with a dealership or a locksmith who specialises in replacement car keys if you don’t have a spare key.
To make a replacement key, they might need details like the brand and model of your car, the year it was built, and your vehicle identification number (VIN).
In some cases, if your car uses a keyless entry system or a transponder key, the replacement process may be more complex and expensive. Always consult a professional before attempting to change a car key on your own.
Related: Idler Pulley Noise: Causes, Fixes, and Replacement Cost
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Replacement Car Key?
The price of getting a replacement car key might vary depending on several factors, including the type of key you need and where you go to get it made.
If you have a spare key and need a duplicate made, the cost may be relatively low, often ranging from $5 to $50, depending on the type of key and where you go to get it copied.
However, if you have lost all of your keys, the cost of getting a replacement key can be significantly higher.
Depending on the type and model of your car, the price for a key with a transponder chip or a keyless entry system may range from $50 to $500 or even more. A locksmith or key replacement service may be less expensive than going to a dealership to receive a replacement key.
Before getting a replacement key, it’s wise to compare prices from several vendors and shop about to get the best value.
FAQs
How do you bypass the ignition switch to start a car?
To jumpstart your car, use a portable jump starter or a different vehicle. Attach a jumper cable to another vehicle or use a portable jump starter. Jumpstarting your car is not that difficult. Connecting will instantly reveal the battery and ignition coil.
Can you start a car with a screwdriver?
No, unless you drive an ancient car (for example, one that was manufactured before 1990). It’s extremely unusual for ignition to start with a screwdriver alone, even in those older autos
Can you bypass key ignition?
A manual and a strong sense of learning aren’t enough to complete the complex process of bypassing a defective ignition switch. In the best-case situation, you should just replace the switch or take your automobile to a professional to handle it.
Can thieves start a car without a key?
Even if the criminal might not be there, if the car is unlocked, it can still be taken. Hacking keyless fobs is also a real possibility. Certain devices can pick up and copy the signal a key fob within the house sends out. Once the signal is sent to the vehicle, it can be unlocked and started without a physical key.
What to do if I lost my key chip?
If you misplace it, you can call a locksmith, who will be able to make you a new key right away. Occasionally a locksmith won’t be able to help, such as with a unique or vintage automobile. It’s possible that you’ll need to purchase a new ignition lock cylinder and key from the dealer or an independent repair facility.
What do I do if I lost my key fob?
Call for roadside assistance or a locksmith
Even if you don’t have the original, they will come to you and produce a car key right away. Call roadside assistance rather than a locksmith if you require a more modern key, such as a key fob, key fob with switchblade key, transponder key, or smart key.
What coloured wires start a car?
The battery wires are typically red, although the ignition wires can occasionally be brown and the starter wires can sometimes be yellow.