Key fobs have been around for a long time, and with good reason. Aside from keeping vehicles safe from unwanted entry, they’re also easier to use than keys because they can lock and unlock doors with just a press of a button. On top of that, they’re easy to reprogram.
Unfortunately, using this handheld device can come with some issues, one being that it’s easy to misplace because of its size. If you lost your key fob, don’t worry. Check out some of the hacks below on how to start a car without a key fob.
How to Start a Car Without a Key
Modern car models use an immobilizer, and in this case, you must have the original key near the ignition switch.
If the immobilizer is not unlocked by the transponder in the key, it will not start, no matter what you do, and therefore, these techniques will not work. They work well with older cars without an immobilizer, though.
#1. Using a Screwdriver and Hammer.
Using a screwdriver and hammer is one of the simplest ways to start a car without a key. However, it can be risky, as it may damage the ignition switch.
This approach is particularly useful when you need to disable the lock pins, but it’s important to understand that the locking mechanism could be accidentally damaged in the process.
How to start a car with a screwdriver?
Insert a screwdriver into the keyhole and gently tap it with a hammer. Once the pins are broken, you can use the screwdriver to turn the ignition switch and start the car.
Be careful when applying force to avoid causing excessive damage to the ignition mechanism, as repairs could be costly. This method should only be used in emergencies and not as a long-term solution.
#2. Hot-Wiring the Ignition.
This approach is typically used for older car models. Like starting a car with a screwdriver or using the red coil wire technique, this method requires some skill and technical knowledge. Mishandling ignition systems can result in serious damage and costly repairs.
Here’s how it works:
- First, remove the plastic steering column cover. It usually has two screws that need to be unscrewed. It will allow you to access the ignition system.
- Make sure to wear special goggles and gloves before moving on to the next step. Now locate the battery wires and cut off the little insulation. Battery wires are usually bright red, so they are hard to confuse with others.
- After that, cut the power wires in the same way. Their color may be yellow or brown, depending on the make and model of the car. You can read about this online or in your owner’s manual. Then, twist the two wires together. Once you connect them, the car should start.
#3. The Red Coil Wire Method
The red coil wire method is a technique that should only be used if you have sufficient technical knowledge of cars. If you are not a mechanic, it’s safer to avoid attempting to start a car using this method.
What do you need to do?
- First, open the hood and locate the red coil wire. Connect one end of the jumper cable to the wire and the other to the positive battery terminal. This should cause the indicators on the dashboard to blink.
- The second step is to unlock the steering wheel. This can be done using a screwdriver. Locate the locking pin under the steering column cover and press it with the screwdriver. When the pin is released, try to unlock the steering wheel.
- Next, locate the starter solenoid. Connect the other end of the jumper cable to the solenoid. After completing all these steps, you can start a car without a key.
How to Start a Car Without the Keyless Key?
If the key fob battery dies, you might be wondering how to get into the car and start the engine. Thankfully, there are some backup plans in place to ensure you can still use the vehicle.
For starters, you need to manually unlock the door. You want to first try the smart key by the door handle. Even if the battery is dead, it might still have enough juice to open the door. Hold it close to the handle to see if it works.
If that doesn’t work, your smart key should also contain a mechanical key for emergency use. It will be found within the key assembly. Pull out the traditional key and open the doors.
If the smart key’s battery dies, you might also be able to start the engine. Every fob has a radio frequency chip (RF chip) located inside. It doesn’t need a strong battery for the sensors and immobilizer circuit to read it.
Put the key fob close to the start engine button. If the RF chip is detected, the engine will still start.
However, if you lose the key fob, you won’t be able to operate your car at all unless the automaker allows you to operate the vehicle with a mobile app.
Even with this technology, it’s often required that you have your key with you. It’s typically not possible to get moving without it.
Types of Car Keys & Cost to Replace
#1. Traditional Key.
The traditional key is the most common key type among older vehicle versions. It looks somewhat similar to door keys, padlock keys, and locker keys, among others. This key type does not have any other feature but to unlock the car doors, the trunk, and even the gas tank cover.
Unfortunately, traditional keys are easy to copy. Therefore, among all key types, this one provides the lowest security to your vehicle.
#2. Remote-controlled Traditional Key.
A more high-tech type of car key is called the remote-controlled traditional key. This time, you can unlock or lock your car doors even from a distance. It is also connected to your car’s alarm system, which you can activate or deactivate using the key.
#3. Transponder Key.
The transponder key, also known as the chip key, was introduced in the ‘90s. It was developed to provide a more secure way to access the car. Its design somewhat resembles the traditional key design. But it features a built-in signal-emitting chip linked to the receiver of the ignition coil.
Both the key transmitter and the receiver feature a similar code. These codes are transmitted every time the car is accessed or turned on. The engine will successfully turn on when the codes match. Otherwise, it will not start.
#4. Rolling Codes Transponder Key.
The rolling codes transponder key is a more sophisticated chip key. Each key is not assigned a single code, just like the first version of the transponder key. This time, each key generates a new code every time it is used.
Such a feature prevents the keys from being cloned. This is because nobody can predict the next code to be generated.
Also, you can’t start a car if its key doesn’t have a chip. So, there’s no need to worry anymore about car keys getting cloned. Even if the fake key has the same shape as the authentic key, the car will fail to start as the fake one doesn’t have the original chip.
#5. Smart Key.
If your car features a smart key, then it features a keyless start. This means that there is no need to take the car key out of your pocket.
The vehicle automatically unlocks when it detects the presence of the key. That way, when you get near the car, you have to press a button to open the door. On the other hand, if the car doesn’t detect the presence of the key, the car doors won’t open even if you keep pressing the button.
When turning on the engine, there’s no need to insert the key in the ignition. With the smart key, your car then features a push-button start. So, even if your key is in your pocket, you can successfully turn on the ignition.
There are smart keys that have more than the above-mentioned features. For example, some are linked to chair settings and the activation of the air conditioning system, among others.
#6. Digital Key.
BMW initially launched the digital key technology in 2020. With this technology, your car’s door locks and its start/stop engine features, among others, are linked to a mobile phone app.
FAQs.
What Is The Best Car Without A Key?
One of the most excellent cars without a key is the Tesla Model S. It’s costly and pretty hard to find, but it is a great car to drive without needing a key. It has a force range of 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 6 seconds, and it has a range of 244 miles per charge.
It has an autopilot feature that can drive the car on highways, change lanes with driver input, and park in tight spaces.
Which Steps For Starting A Car Without A Key?
- Start by turning the car on.
- Push the brake pedal and put the gear in neutral.
- Now, you need to turn off all lights and accessories, then switch off the engine.
- Release the parking brake and push down on the gas pedal to engage it.
Where Do I Start A Car Without A Key?
The best way to start a car without the key is to use the starter—the starter is located on the engine block under the hood. Two cables attach to it, one of which should have a handle on it. Pull this handle, hold it in place, and crank or turn the other cable until the engine starts.
Do I Need To Use A Battery To Start A Car Without A Key?
The only time a battery would be required to start a car without a key is if the vehicle has an immobilizer. An immobilizer prevents the vehicle from starting unless the correct key is applied. But cars manufactured in the last decade often come with a push-button starter.
If you don’t have a key and your vehicle has a push-button starter, then you may be able to use the keyless entry remote for your car to start your vehicle. Otherwise, if it is an older car, you will need to find someone who has the same make and version as yours and borrow their key.
How Can You Know If Your Car Has A Keyless Entry System?
The easiest way to tell if your car has a keyless entry system is to look for the keyless entry button on the driver’s side of the dashboard. You do not have a keyless entry system if there is no button.
Final Thought
There are multiple forms to initiate a car without a key or burning wiring. A vehicle can start without a key by turning it on with a big screwdriver.
At the same time, it may be hard to carry around tools in your pocket; other ways to get the job done. If you have to start your car without a key or wire, try using what you have in your trunk.