How To Turn Ignition Without Key In Three Ways
In some unusual circumstances, car owners may wonder, “How to turn ignition without key?” It is an older problem, but if the mechanical key on your car is broken and for some reason, you can’t change the default ignition key using the central locking and ignition system, this is the right article for you.
There are two ways to do this. The first one uses a mechanical key. By inserting it into the ignition, the car will start. The drawback of this method is that you will have to carry the car key with you.
The second way to turn the ignition switch without using the car key is by using the fob. All you have to do is press the button, and your car will start.
The only drawback of this method is that you will need to remember where you placed your fob.
The other way to turn the ignition without a key is by tricking the car into thinking that you are already in it. This can be achieved by pressing the key twice or turning it on and holding the key for a short time.
Continue reading to learn how to turn ignition without key. We’ll also cover other important topics, such as the many varieties of car keys and the three methods for starting a car without a key.
In what cases do you need to start your car without a key?
There are many reasons why you might want to know how to turn ignition without key. Here are some of them:
1. Faulty ignition switch
When the engine is okay and you have the keys. And if the car won’t start, then the ignition switch is faulty. The ignition switch not only turns the car on, but it is also an important source of energy for your car.
Your car gets electrical and ignition power through a faulty wiring system, so you need to get it fixed.
The ignition switch also powers the ignition coil and the ECU. If the ignition switch breaks, you may have to start the automobile using one of the hot wire or red coil wire options.
2. When Key Is Broken
A broken key might be problematic. If you continue to use a damaged key, the ignition lock may be damaged. As a result, rather than exacerbating the current harm, seek ways to fix it.
For maintenance, always take your car to a certified service shop. Also, keep a spare key on hand in case something happens.
3. Dead battery Smart Key or Damaged Smart Key
If you can start your automobile with a smart key but it won’t start, the smart key is damaged or you have a dead battery smart key. But don’t be alarmed! With a smart key and the ignition switch, you can start your automobile even when the smart key battery dies.
They designed smart keys with emergencies in mind, such as how to start the automobile if the key fob breaks or the battery dies.
However, don’t take this operation lightly because it might do irreversible harm to your vehicle.
Always take your vehicles to authorized auto service centers for servicing. Also, keep a spare smart key on hand in case something happens.
Tools needed for starting a car without a key
To bypass the automobile ignition switch and key, the following materials are necessary. If you do not have these goods in your car, you should call Roadside Assistance right away.
- Gloves
- Cable Jumpers
- Tape for Electricity
- Glasses for Protection
- Screwdriver or small cordless drill
How To Start A Car Without A Key: Three Methods
Start learning the instructions below if you want to know how to start the automobile by connecting the wires in the steering column and utilizing other techniques.
Losing the key or having a malfunctioning ignition that won’t start the engine may be quite inconvenient, especially if you are out of town and don’t have access to a spare key.
Consider the following ways to engage the ignition lock cylinder, depending on the model of your car.
First method: Connect the cables in the steering column to start the car
Keep in mind that this method only works for cars manufactured before the mid-90s.
1. Remove the plastic cover on the steering column
Remove the plastic cover from the steering wheel column to reveal the access panel. You may break the locking pins on earlier versions by pounding a flathead screwdriver into the keyhole and rotating it.
It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish this by hand, but if the automobile model is old enough, you may attempt.
2. Locate the wiring harness connector
When you remove the steering column panel covers, you should view the wire harness bundle. Don’t be afraid, and learn to identify the correct bundle. There are normally three major wire bundles.
The cabling from the battery to the ignition and starter is placed near the top of the steering column.
3. Pull aside the wiring harnesses from the battery, ignition, and starter
Set aside the battery, ignition, and starter wire harnesses. You might get an electric shock if you mix up the cables. The other wire colors will differ based on the manufacturer. The ignition wiring is sometimes brown, and the starter wiring is yellow.
4. Bare about 2.5 cm of insulation on the battery wires and twist them
Remove the insulation from the battery wires and twist them together. Wrap them with duct tape to avoid a short circuit from the car’s metal components. When these wires are connected, electrical power will be sent to the ignition components, allowing the engine to start when the starter is switched on.
5. Connect the battery wire to the ignition on/off the wire
Connect the ignition on/off the wire to the battery wire. The moment it connects, the backlight on the dashboard will turn on and the other electrical components will work.
6. Bare the starting wire by about 1 centimeter with extreme caution
Bare the starter wire for about 1 centimeter with extreme caution. It will be energized, so you need to be very careful to hold the bare wire firmly.
Touch the end of this wire to the connected battery wires. Don’t try to screw it on to start the car; just create sparks with it against the battery wires.
7. Accelerate the engine at idle speed
Idle the engine. If you want to start the car, idle the engine several times so that the engine does not stall. Once the engine starts, you can remove the starter wire and continue driving. Unscrew the battery leads from the ignition wires, and the car will stall.
8. Unlock the steering column lock
The steering column lock is probably locked, even though the car is running. On some models, the only thing you’ll have to do is unscrew the metal keyhole.
You can also use a hammer to lock the helm in place and use it as leverage. You should hear something break, after which the steering wheel will be free and you will be able to drive the car.
Second method: Drilling of locking pins
The purpose of this method is to break the locking pins and start the car with a screwdriver instead of a car key. This is usually done if the car keys are lost.
1. Drill about the depth of the wrench
Position the drill on the keyhole along 2/3 of its top edge. Drill approximately the depth of the car key. Each locking pin has two sections followed by a spring, so you will need to drill several times to get the lock fragments inside it into place.
2. Insert the screwdriver as if it were car keys
Insert the screwdriver as if it were a wrench. It does not have to go deep since the pins are already broken. Use the screwdriver the same way you would use a wrench: to try to start the car, simply turn the screwdriver a quarter turn clockwise.
Third method: Power supply to the panel
Open the hood and locate the red wire from the ignition coil. In the case of four-cylinder engines, they are located on the right side, in the middle of the engine. In the case of six-cylinder engines, it is the other way around: on the left side, in the middle of the engine.
1. Take out the startup wires from an external source
Take out the external starter wires. Connect the external starter wires to the positive battery terminal and to the coil, or to the red wire leading to the coil. This will energize the panel, which is necessary if you want to start the engine.
2. Locate the ignition coil
Locate the ignition coil. Usually, it is located by the right fender, near the battery. On GM cars, it is on the starter under the helm.
3. Unlock the steering wheel
You need to push the locking pins away from the steering wheel. The locking pins will not break and will not trigger the alarm. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the middle of the steering column from the top. You will be able to find the coil inside.
4. Connect the coil to the positive terminal of the battery
Using a screwdriver with a dielectric handle, connect the positive coil terminal to the terminal that the ignition switch connects to. In doing so, you will connect 12 volts directly from the battery. This should engage the coil, causing the starter to start the car.
Different types of keys
There are many variations of ignition keys the following are the many sorts of automobile keys:
- Traditional Key
- Remote-controlled traditional key
- Transponder Key
- Rolling Codes Transponder Key
- Smart Key
- Digital Key
Let us go through each of them quickly.
Traditional Key
Keys made with traditional methods are easily duplicated. This makes it more likely someone will rob someone with traditional keys. Keys made using alternative means don’t have duplication issues and serve only one purpose: opening the car, trunk, and lid of the gas tank.
Remote-controlled traditional key
Auto key remotes are more technologically advanced than traditional keys. From a safe distance, you can open and lock your car doors using one of these keys.
It connects to your car’s security system, and you can toggle its activation and deactivation using the ignition key.
Transponder Key
On the outside, it looks like a traditional key. A microchip embedded in the key transmits data to the ignition coil’s receiver when the car is started or opened. Each time someone enters the car or starts it, a code is sent.
If the key’s codes match, the engine will start successfully. Otherwise, the engine won’t start. Both the key transmitter and receiver have the same code.
Rolling Codes Transponder Key
Because of its high security, using this key to open your car is the best choice. It stops someone from copying the key and prevents them from starting the engine even if they copy it perfectly.
Smart Key
Instead of having to rummage around in your pockets for the key, a smart key automatically makes itself known when you get into your car. From there, it will start the engine on its own and remove the key from your grasp.
Digital Key
Digital key is the most complex keys available today. It also offers a mobile app that you can download to your phone. Easily control and reduce security risks from your phone.
How to Start your Car without a Key Fob
There are several scenarios in which you may need to start your automobile without a key.
In a keyless car entry, your car key fob may malfunction and prevent you from starting the vehicle. Because it is either broken or the battery is dead, you must manually open the automobile door. Cars now have the ability to start without a car key fob.
- If the key fob battery is dead, you must try to open the door by holding it close to the handle.
- You can also utilize a physical key if your key fob has one.
- The automobile can be started even if the key fob’s battery is dead.
- The key fob does not require a battery to start the vehicle since it incorporates a passive radio frequency chip.
- Maintain close proximity to the start button with the key fob.
- If you lose the key fob, you will almost certainly be unable to start the engine.
- You must contact the authorized dealership to receive a replacement car key fob.
How to install keyless ignition in a keyless car
Keyless car become increasingly popular, and many drivers may encounter major issues if the smart key battery runs out or is fitted wrongly.
Let’s look at how to turn off the ignition switch and start the car without a key fob. The hidden ignition switch is very certainly still in the steering column. You may still try to bug the car or use the “red coil” method if you follow the instructions.
Asked questions:
How do I force my ignition to turn?
You must lean over and peek behind the helm. Next, remove the wire connected to the ignition switch pin and reconnect it all. This aids in the operation of both the headlights and the starter, but most significantly, the ignition system.
After that, locate the wire from the starter and disconnect it from the common ground. The remaining wires are wrapped around each other, and the ignition is now operational. The engine is started by softly touching the starting wire to this entire bundle of wires.
Can you start a car with a screwdriver?
Yes, you can start a car with a screwdriver. First, you need to loosen the ornamental cover from the unscrewed screws that hold the steering wheel column in place. You must lean over and peek behind the steering wheel.
Then, using a tiny screwdriver, remove the locking ring from the ignition switch.
The lock is still in the steering column body, and the contact group, complete with wires, is in your hands. It’s now only a question of spinning the screwdriver shaft clockwise in the slot. Great! You now know how to start a car without a key.
Video: How To Turn Ignition Without Key
In this video is shown how to start car without key.
Final thoughts
Everyone understands that nothing in this world is eternal. The same may be true about a vehicle. There are instances when automobile parts fail to operate properly, and other occasions when you realize you’ve misplaced your keys. And what if you’re also in the woods?
That is why you must understand how to start your automobile without a key. It’s no surprise that you experience issues with car keys, key fobs, ignition cylinders, and switches as a driver.
However, starting an old car without a key is simple. Therefore, this is not the case with the most recent automobile models. While standard car keys are simple and inexpensive to replace, smart keys are more complicated and costly.
All methods above are acceptable only to those who are confident in their abilities and knowledge. It is advisable to have a standby kit in the car, gloves, a small flashlight bulb, electrical tape, a set of spark plugs, and a spare belt.
If you don’t know how to start a car without a key or what’s causing it not to start, contact a specialist or authorized dealer for assistance. Here is how to reset transmission control module chevy Silverado.
