Lost Key Fob? Here’s How To Start A Car Without A Key

Key Points:

• There are several methods you can try to start your car without a key fob in case of an emergency: the screwdriver-hammer method, hotwiring the engine or looking for the red coil wire.
• You can also try to use the mobile app (if applicable) or locate the secret switch that’s usually located in the steering column.
• Some of these solutions may cause harm to your car. Others need substantial automotive understanding. It’s always best to seek the help of a professional when dealing with these things.

Have you ever found yourself in a tight spot with a lost key fob and wondering how to start your car? We know that there’s nothing more frustrating than losing your car key. Don’t worry, it’s a common situation that can happen to anyone.

In this guide, we’ll break down simple and effective ways to get your car running even when your key fob seems to have gone on its adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to the road, these tricks are easy to follow, making the process a breeze for everyone.

How Do You Start a Car Without a Key

The best way to get your car started without a key is to call our locksmith to make you the best replacement car key so you can start and unlock the car door easily. However, if those aren’t options, you can use the methods here to get your car started.

Method 1: Using A Screwdriver and Hammer

Using a screwdriver and hammer to start your car can be simple and effective. That said, just be forewarned that it’ll also most likely permanently damage your car’s ignition switch.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Flathead screwdriver
• Hammer

Step 1: Place the Screwdriver

Carefully line your screwdriver up in the keyhole, letting it rest on the edges.

Step 2: Hammer

Hit the handle of your screwdriver with the hammer. This will break the pins.

Step 3: Start the Car

Once the pins are broken, you should be able to use the screwdriver to turn the ignition like you would a key.

Method 2: Use The Red coil Wire

The red coil wire method is a viable option if you’re well-versed in auto mechanics. It involves popping the hood and poking around in a few areas that are best left to professionals. The benefit is that this method works for modern cars that use a START/STOP button as well as those that use a key.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Owner’s manual or Internet access
• Drill
• Flathead screwdriver
• Jumper cables

Step 1: Find the Red Wire

The first step is to locate the red wire, which will be attached to your ignition coil. Once you find it, connect one end of your jumper cable to it and the other end to the positive battery terminal. Lights on your dash and some electronics should flicker to life.

Step 2: Unlock Your Steering Wheel

Using the screwdriver or drill, remove the steering column cover and find the locking pin so you can unlock your steering wheel. Use your flathead screwdriver to press the pin. When the pin releases, you should be able to move the steering wheel.

Step 3: Connect the Solenoid

Once your steering column cover is removed and your wheel is unlocked, you should be able to see your starter solenoid. Connect the other end of your jumper cable to the solenoid. From there, your car should start.

Method 3: Hot Wiring The Ignition

Hot wiring your car is another method of starting your car without a key. However, you should only attempt this method if you have prior experience with cars.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Owner’s manual or internet access
• Electrical tape

Step 1: Remove the Screws

You can use the screwdriver or the drill to remove the screws in the steering column cover. These screws are on either side of the steering column.

Step 2: Remove the Access Panel

Once you’ve removed the steering column cover, you’ll need to also remove the access panel. You should be able to just pull it out, revealing the ignition wires.

Step 3: Find the Ignition Wires

Next, you’ll need to figure out which wires are connected to your ignition. Battery wires are usually red, so those will be simple to set aside. However, since ignition wire colors can vary, you’ll have to look up what color your ignition wires are online or in the owner’s manual.

Step 4: Strip the Wires

Using your wire stripper, strip off a bit of the insulation around the ignition wires. Then, twist the two bare wires together. The interior of your car should flicker to life.

Step 5: Find the Starter Wire

Locate your starter wire and strip some of the insulation off. Then, touch it to the two ignition wires you just twisted together. It’s a live wire, so don’t twist it together because you’ll get a nasty shock.

Step 6: Secure the Wires

Using a bit of electrical tape, secure the end of the starter wire to avoid any unintended shocks.

How Long Does It Take to Hotwire a Car?

If you have all the appropriate tools on hand and feel confident in your automotive skills, hotwiring a car shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. However, if you’re not terribly skilled with cars and haven’t attempted hotwiring before, it could take you far longer.

Method 4: Use the Mobile App

Some vehicles are accessible through a mobile app, which can come in handy when the key fob is disabled. But if your car doesn’t have an advanced remote unlocking system, requesting road assistance is probably your best shot at getting your daily driver running.

Here’s a quick list of some apps for popular car brands that can help you with unlocking:

• myChevrolet – Acts as a remote key fob to lock or unlock your GM vehicle, start or stop its engine, sound the horn, and even locate the vehicle, among others.
• Hyundai Blue Link® – Allows you to unlock, lock, start, stop, and activate headlights and the horn of your Hyundai.
• NissanConnect® – Services include lock/unlock, Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and connectivity to Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Toyota App – Enables you to lock and unlock the doors, find your Toyota, receive recall alerts, and access maintenance info.
• MySubaru – Via STARLINK, the MySubaru app locks and unlocks your vehicle, remotely starts and stops it, and even immobilizes the vehicle when it’s stolen.

Method 5: Locate the Secret Switch

A push start button in replacement of the traditional ignition lock cylinder has remained a popular feature in a lot of late-model vehicles. And if your car has this setup, methods like hotwiring or using jumper cables might not do the trick if you don’t have your key fob.

Fortunately, many automakers have a fail-safe measure that can get you out of this problem. They add a secret switch that’s usually located in the steering column to their models.

The switch usually has a plastic lid. If you remove the cover, you’ll see a key fob-like interface where you can use the screwdriver and hammer method to kickstart the ignition.

FAQs – How To Start A Car Without A Key

1. Will All Cars Start Without a Key?

Whether a car will start without a key is dependent on the type of car it is.

For example, many cars don’t require you to insert your key in the ignition to operate. However, the fob will need to be within a certain number of feet for the vehicle to drive.

Some cars, especially newer ones, have complex electronic failsafe that make it nearly impossible to hotwire. That said, older models are usually easy to hotwire.

2. How Can I Start My Car Directly Without A Key?

The best method to directly start your car without a key is by using Screwdriver and Hammer.

3. How Do You Bypass An Ignition Switch?

You can bypass an ignition switch by connecting the positive terminal of the battery to the positive side of the ignition coil. Also, you need to identify the starter solenoid and connect it to the positive terminal of the battery. Next, unplug the ignition switch wire from the solenoid and then short the solenoid’s terminal to reach where the ignition switch connects.

4. How Do You Start A Car With A Bad Ignition Switch?

You can start your car with a bad ignition switch by using a portable jump starter or use another car to jumpstart your vehicle. Either with a portable jump starter or with a jumper cable connected to another car. It’s pretty easy to jumpstart your vehicle. All you have to do is connect to identify the ignition coil and the battery.

5. Can You Manually Start A Push-Button Start Car?

Yes, Even in cars that use keyless entry, there is usually a key slot located underneath the car’s start button or a round plastic cap on the steering column. You can pop off the plastic top and use the physical key to start your engine manually.

6. I Lost My Car Key What Do I Do?

If you lost your car key and you don’t know what to do, then you need to contact us as our experienced locksmith will help you and make a replacement car key fob in no time.