One of the greatest fears among car owners is “how to turn the ignition without key?”. Most probably, you are also here to water for the same cause. It seems impossible to start a car without a key, but to your fortune, there are several ways.
You can run the car by using ignition, hotwiring, and a screwdriver. It is also important to know that every vehicle has a different key. So, the process of ignition may differ slightly.
Instead of worrying about misplacing the car key, you can ignite your car by bypassing the ignition lock. But remember that you can only do this in the case of an emergency.
Keep reading for further details about the risks, different key types, and ignition processes!
Why Do You Need To Start A Car Without A Key?
Here are certain reasons for starting a car without a key:
Lost Key
Most car owners lose their keys and search for the ignition processes in a rush. Half of them are unaware they can start their cars without a key. It leads to stress, and they get late for their desired destinations.
Faulty Ignition Switch
You have your key, and the engine health is also good. But if the car is not starting up, your ignition switch is faulty.
The ignition switch not only turns your car on but is also an important power source for your car. Your car gets electrical and ignition energies through a proper wiring system, so you must fix it.
Broken Key
A broken key can cause you trouble. The ignition switch might also get damaged if you don’t stop inserting a damaged key into it. So, do not contribute to the existing damage but rather find ways to fix it.
Damaged Smart Key
If your car works with a smart key, but you cannot start it, the key has been damaged. But don’t panic! You can start your car without a dead battery smart key through the ignition. But don’t take this process lightly, as it can cause permanent damage to your vehicle.
Always take your cars to certified car shops for a maintenance check. Moreover, try to have a spare key to deal with this.
What Do You Need To Turn Ignition Without A Key?
You might be thinking of high-end equipment, but you only need simple tools. To turn the ignition without a key, you need to have a few sets of daily-in-use tools or equipment that can save you time and effort at the moment.
- A screwdriver with a flat head compensates for the key’s absence
- Gloves for safety
- A pair of protective glasses for the eye safety
- A cordless drill machine along with some electrical tape
- Some jumper cables
How To Turn Ignition Without a Key?
Consider the following methods of turning on the ignition lock cylinder based on your car model.
Hot Wire Method
To cope with an emergency like losing a key. Knowing how to hot wire your old car can come in handy.
For hot wiring, you need to:
- Remove the plastic cover around the steering column to get to the ignition switch first. Remove the screws under the steering wheel with a screwdriver.
- The ignition switch wire harness connection lies here.
- On the backside of the ignition switch, you’ll locate a connector that leads to the ignition switch. You can short the wires by removing the connector or cutting the wires.
- The next process is to examine the ignition wires correctly
- Connect the battery (+) wires (red), the starter wires (most probably yellow), and the ignition cables (brown).
- After connecting the wires, cut them precisely.
- Twisting the ignition and battery wires together will create a spark. At this point, the ignition is on.
- Now hold the battery cable and starter cable together to start the car.
- Remove if there is any steering lock
- Your car is now ready!
- To turn the car off, untie the cables.
Red Coil Method
Another method to boost your car’s ignition is the red coil method.
- First, you need to open the car engine area, where you will find the red wire.
- Connect this red wire to the car battery, and the car will start receiving power.
- Next, another red coil is located beneath the steering wheel. You’ll need to open the steering wheel.
- To avoid being shocked, gently place the metal end of a screwdriver against the wire while holding the insulated handle.
Screwdriver and Drill Technique
Here’s how to start your car with a screwdriver instead of a key, but it will damage your keyhole.
- Cover the keyhole with the drill and wait for it until it gets 60% covered.
- Drill through the keyhole until little metal pits emerge.
- It is important to orient yourself on the length of the key. The spring is divided into two sections for each keyhole.
- Remove the drill and turn on the ignition using a screwdriver. You don’t need to squeeze the screwdriver as hard now that all the pins are broken.
- The engine will start up.
Key Takeaway: It’s important to remember that anyone can steal your vehicle once you’ve damaged the keyhole.
How To Start A Keyless Car Without The Key Fob?
Your car has a secret switch. Examine the steering for that switch. If you see a round cap or recessed cover in the area, it’s most likely an ignition. Try to open it with the screwdriver. You will see a key fob-like interface. Use the screwdriver to perform the rest of the ignition process (as stated above).
Keyless Car With An Empty Battery Fob
If you face an empty battery issue, you don’t need to opt for hotwiring instantly. You can use a dead-key fob to start the vehicle.
- Before starting the automobile, engage the emergency brake once you’re inside.
- Then, take your key fob and press it against your car’s start button.
- Many vehicles have a key fob mechanism to turn on the car in situations like this.
- To start the car, press the start button using the key fob.
If your car starts, go to the nearest car maintenance shop. Have your batteries and key fob replaced to encounter a similar situation in the future.
Check Out How To Start A Keyless Car Without The Key Fob?:
Various Key Types
Not a single key can open all the doors, and not the same key can work with different cars. Here are the different types of car keys:
Traditional Key
As the name suggests, these are the oldest of their existence. It is the most prevalent key type. It resembles door keys, padlock keys, and locker keys.
This key has no other function besides unlocking the automobile doors, trunk, and gas tank cap. One drawback of the traditional keys is that they are easy to duplicate. In other words, the risks of you getting robbed are higher.
Remote-Controlled Traditional Key
The traditional remote-controlled key is a more high-tech sort of car key. You may now unlock or lock your automobile doors from a safe distance. It’s also linked to your car’s alarm system, which you can use the key to activate or disable.
Transponder Key
Want more security while entering the car? Well, this is the car key you need. Its design is similar to that of a traditional key. However, it does have a built-in signal-emitting chip linked to the ignition coil’s receiver.
The key transmitter and receiver both have the same code. These codes are broadcast whenever the automobile is accessed or turned on. When the codes match, the engine will switch on successfully. Otherwise, it will not start.
Rolling Codes Transponder Key
This key is the better alternative to avoid security-related problems. Other than chips and codes, it saves your car from getting cloned. No matter how perfectly duplicated the key someone uses, your vehicle will not start.
Smart Key
Sometimes you get too lazy to get the key out of your pocket. You don’t have to do that if you have a smart key! Your car detects the key’s presence, and it will automatically start your car when you sit in it.
Digital Key
It is the most advanced key of the 21st century. It has a mobile app that you can install on your phone. It is easy to control through mobile and reduces security risks.
Risks of Turning Your Ignition Without A Key
Ignition without a key can no doubt let you out of the current situation. But it can lead to several risks that you cannot ignore.
Car Damage
Many drivers are unaware that turning your vehicle’s ignition without a key is extremely dangerous. Turning on your car with another object, such as a screwdriver or other tool, can cause permanent damage to your engine and spark plugs. It can even cause the vehicle to shake violently and stall.
While no ignition system is the same, a few common risks can lead to improper ignition.
Engine Damage
It can cause permanent damage to your engine. If you turn on the car with a tool other than a key, you risk shearing off vital parts of your engine, which can lead to costly repairs or even replacement.
Spark Plugs Damage
It can damage the spark plugs, leading to poor engine performance. When you turn on your car with another object, the mechanism inside can become warped or broken. It can lead to poor starting, idling issues, and excessive fuel consumption.
Unusual Shaking
Turning your ignition without a key can cause the car to shake violently and stall. When you turn it on with a tool other than your key, the engine is not getting the proper amount of fuel and air mixture.
The car will often jerk or shake before stalling completely when this happens. While this may not cause permanent damage, driving at high speeds or in traffic can be extremely dangerous.
Problems With Your Insurance
Starting your car without a key can also void your car’s warranty. Insurance doesn’t cover the damage you cause to your car while starting it. So, if you have to get your ignition system repaired or replaced, you may have to pay for it yourself.
Injury To Self
You can hurt yourself while igniting your car without a key if you are not a pro. It is always recommended to take the help of the mechanics and wait rather than hurting yourself.
FAQs
Can a different key be used to start a car?
It is technically impossible to start your car with a different key. Your ignition switch is designed for the particular key and won’t accept the other key. Doing this can also damage your ignition switch.
Can A Push Be Hotwired To Start A Car?
The answer is yes, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. You’ll need to experience electrical systems and wiring to hotwire a push to start the car. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to access the car’s engine compartment.
There are several ways to hotwire a push to start a car. One of the most popular methods involves tapping into the ignition wires and using a battery pack or jumper cables to get the car moving. Another option is to use a bypass device that tricks the vehicle’s computer system into thinking it has been started with a key.
Can You Hot Wire Modern Vehicles?
Modern cars do not allow hot wiring. Modern vehicles have electronic keys and locking systems – this is partly for security and partly because many vehicles now have advanced electronic systems that control things like the engine and transmission. And because of this, many cars today cannot be started without their keys to prevent theft.
Final Considerations
Ignition without a key can be a lifesaver for a moment, but it is not advised to repeat it without an emergency. Your car’s ignition system is designed to work with a specific key.
You could damage the ignition system when you try to start your car with something other than the key. It can make it difficult or even impossible to start your car, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
