How To Start A Car Without A Key? Complete Guide

Most modern automobiles have well-concealed wiring and steering columns that are difficult to break. This is not the case with previous models. If your automobile was manufactured before the mid-1990s, you should know that you can start it without a key.

This will come in handy if you ever lose your keys! In any case, if you find yourself in this situation, always be cautious and consult the manufacturer’s handbook for electrical wiring color codes.

How Do I Start My Car Without a Chip Key?

My automobile is equipped with a chip key. I’ve lost my key, yet I can still start my car! How? It’s simple. Locate your spare key first (which should come with your car). Call a locksmith to get back into your vehicle if you don’t have a spare or it doesn’t work (maybe you locked it inside). Then locate your ignition switch and rack down the brake pedal.

Your ignition should turn on when you press down on your brake pedal. Insert your key into the ignition at this stage. Turn it all the way around until you hear a click – that signifies it’s all the way around and ready to go!

What should you do if your remote starter malfunctions? If you have an emergency kit, you can push start your automobile. Jumper cables, which are usually included in emergency kits, are required; ensure they’re long enough to properly connect one battery terminal to another. Then, disconnect both automobiles’ batteries by taking out their respective battery terminals (typically labeled as + and -) and connecting them with heavy-duty jumpers.

Steering Column Shortening

Driver starting the car engine.

1.     Get inside the car

Do not enter a car unless you own it and it is in good working order. If you break into a car, the alarm, if it is installed, will sound.

This approach, like the others we’ll examine only works on cars manufactured before the mid-1990s. Newer models have a slew of complex mechanisms that are tough to bypass unless you are an expert. If you try to start a 2002 Honda Civic, for example, you will mostly set off the alarm and disable the starter, and no one will be able to use it!

Before proceeding, consult the owner’s handbook to ensure that the steering column and gear lever are repairable. Everything must then be altered using this approach.

2.     Examine the area beneath the steering wheel

You might need to clear a cache. Hidden staples or type 2 Phillips screws are typically used to secure this. If required, remove these.

Alternatively, on some extremely old devices, just hammer the pins in the Neiman by placing a flat screwdriver inside. The only thing left to do is turn. To be sure, you have to write quickly, and it doesn’t always work, but it does on some models. To be tried!

3.     Locate the appropriate connector in the electrical wiring

When the covers are removed, you will notice a slew of cables. Do not be scared! It’s all about identifying the correct beam! There are generally three wiring harnesses:

The wiring on one side operates the headlights, turn signals, and other parts. On the other hand, the cables regulate the wipers and seat heaters. In the other way (engine wires), there are cables leading to the battery, the igniter, and the starter.

4.     Set aside the harnesses connecting the battery, igniter, and starter

One goes to the contractor, another to the igniter, and the last to the starter. The color of the cables differs depending on the manufacturer. To appropriately identify them, see the handbook.

The ignition wire is sometimes brown and the starting wire is yellow. The battery cables are colored red. Check the instructions one more for confirmation.

5.     Remove around 1cm of insulation from each wire and securely twist them together

If feasible, wrap them with insulating tape to keep them from coming into touch with any metal parts. This connection supplies electricity to the ignition coil, ensuring that the engine is ready to go when you start it.

Car wiring repair.

6.     Connect the contactor and battery wires

The dashboard illuminates. This is the station to listen to if you simply want to listen to the radio! However, in order to start the automobile, you must modify the starting wire, which is not without risk.

7.     Keep yourself safe!

Remove roughly 1.5 cm of the starting wire. Handling is difficult here since there are many exposed wires that must be avoided. Pass the starting wire to the battery wire as quickly as possible. The wires should not be in touch for an extended period of time. To start the automobile, simply rub the two wires together. Attention! There are occasional sparks. Don’t put your nose to it!

8.     Start the engine

If you are able to start the engine, accelerate a few times so that it does not stall and you do not have to repeat this little risky process.

Once the engine has started, remove the wire from the starter. If, on the other hand, you wish to “shoot” the engine, detach the battery and ignition cables.

9.     Disengage the steering lock

You’ve started the car and are planning to drive with your hair in the breeze! Fake. Even if you start the engine, you won’t travel very far since the column is jammed. As a result, the lock that is blocking the steering wheel must be broken. Unless you simply need to draw a straight line!

Tip: On some types (from the 1970s and 1980s), all you have to do is insert a screwdriver into the switch, pop out a pin and release the spring inside to liberate the steering wheel. If you performed this procedure a few months ago, there is nothing extra to do.

Some automobiles merely need a good dosage of strength, this is referred to as “the nag approach”. So just press the steering wheel to give way with your hands; you must be powerful! Alternatively, a tube passed through the steering wheel might be used as a lever arm. The lock is broken and the steering wheel is loose when you hear a loud “crack.”

Drill Lock Pins

1.     Place the 12mm drill bit about 2/3 of the way up the keyhole. This will break the locking bolts, allowing you to use a screwdriver to turn the keyless ignition on and off. This is what we usually do when we’ve misplaced our key!

The ignition switch keyhole.

2.     Drill about the length of one key. Each axis has two sections, each of which is a spring. As a result, it is necessary to drill several times and withdraw the drill each time to allow the interior pieces to fall to the bottom of the barrel.

3.     Insert the screwdriver as you would a key. There is no need to push it all the way in because the pins are already broken. Turn in the same manner as you did with your key. The engine fires up.

Caution: This method will shoot the contactor. Anyone with a screwdriver can then steal your car!

Turn On The Dashboard

1.     Open the hood. Find the red coil wire. Almost all V8 engines have connector and coil wires located at the rear. They are located on the right side of a four-cylinder engine, near the center of the engine. They are on the opposite side of a six-cylinder engine: the left side, near the center of the engine.

2.     Get your cable out. Connect a cable from the positive battery terminal (not the negative!) to the positive or red wire that goes to the ignition coil. The dashboard will be activated, which is required if you want to start the car.

3.     Find the starter solenoid. On Fords, it is located near the battery on the right fender. On GM vehicles, it is located beneath the steering wheel.

4.     Using a flat screwdriver, unlock the steering wheel. Place it at the top of the steering column, in the center. Insert the screwdriver between the steering wheel and the column, then remove the steering wheel’s locking pin. Don’t be concerned; you must force it! The locking pin will not snap and set off the alarm. The solenoid should be located below.

Mechanic screwing the steering wheel.

5.     Connect the solenoid to the positive terminal of the battery. A little red wire will be visible at the top of the solenoid, and the positive wire from the battery will be visible directly below. These two wires must be shunted, or brought into contact with one another. You can do this using a screwdriver or pliers. In any instance, the tool’s handles should be insulated, and nothing else should be handled.

A 12-volt current will be drawn straight from the battery. The solenoid will be engaged, and you will be ready to go!

Tips

  • If you start your car without a key, you risk inflicting catastrophic harm. Never leave the ignition wires connected after starting the engine. This can burn out the ignition system and just slightly deplete the battery.
  • The alarm will sound if you don’t get it properly.
  • Use this knowledge wisely.
  • Vehicles equipped with a microchip in the ignition cannot be started without the use of a key. The chip permits the onboard computer to function, and the automobile will not start without it.

How to Start a Car Without a Key Fob?

Without a key fob, you’ll need to locate your vehicle’s emergency key release (often underneath or around your steering wheel), which unlocks all doors once activated. If you don’t have a key fob for your car-or if yours was lost or stolen you can still use a regular physical key to unlock it.

A number of different lock types exist, so make sure you know how to start your specific vehicle before attempting any of these methods. The general idea behind starting a car without a key fob is similar regardless of your vehicle type. Use an existing manual door opener to turn on the ignition.

Skip using a push-button car without a key fob. How do I start my push-button car without a key? If you are locked out of your vehicle and no longer have access to your remote, you may be wondering what else you can do to get back into your car. In most cases, there will be another way to get into your vehicle; however, that method will depend upon what kind of vehicle you own.

It has occurred to all of us at some time. You walk up to your car and try your key fob only to find that it doesn’t work anymore. You then reach into your pocket for the second set of keys only to realize they aren’t there either! So now what? If you have ever been locked out of your car, then you know just how frustrating that experience can be.

Starting A Car With A Different Key

Modern cars use a transponder key (also called a chip key) that sends out an encrypted code to start your car. This means that even though you may have lost your original key or it doesn’t work anymore, there are still several ways you can get back on the road with a different key. If all else fails, check with your local dealer-you’ll be surprised at how much they can help!

A new way to unlock your car. Many modern vehicles now come equipped with push-button ignition as opposed to a traditional key fob. While some people love these types of keys because they don’t need to worry about losing their keys, others prefer using their fobs for convenience and security.

Engine start button on car.

However, if you find yourself without your fob one day, fear not! You can actually use any button-like object to unlock your vehicle. Just make sure it has a flat edge like a credit card or house key so that you can wedge it into the slot between your door and body panel.

How do you tell if there is a chip in your car key? Some older cars have chipped keys. These chips can store information such as lock/unlock codes, which will allow owners to more easily access their vehicle while also providing more protection against theft.

So how do you know whether or not your car uses chipped keys? One easy way to tell is by looking at your key itself; many chipped auto keys feature three bumps on either side of the head near where it attaches to its fob.

Is There A Chip In My Key?

If your car uses a transponder key (chip) for its remote entry system, there may be more than one key that can operate your vehicle. If you have lost or broken your car keys but still have an original factory set of keys from when you purchased your vehicle we recommend using them as a spare set.

These keys will work as long as they aren’t worn out or damaged. The only way to tell if your key has a chip is by trying it in your ignition. The process varies depending on what type of vehicle you drive, so check your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Some cars require you to press down on the brake pedal before turning on the ignition while others require you to insert both keys at once.

You may also need to hold down certain buttons while inserting each key into its respective locks. If none of these methods work, your car probably doesn’t use a transponder key. However, you should still keep track of all of your keys-even those that don’t contain chips-in case you ever lose them.

Starting A Push-Button Vehicle Without A Key Fob

You can start a push-button vehicle without a key fob in a few simple steps. For example, if you need to leave your car for an extended period of time but do not want anyone else driving it or tampering with it, you can use these steps to ensure that nobody starts your car without authorization.

  • First, make sure all doors are locked (push down on each door handle until you hear a click).
  • Next, find your hidden emergency release lever located under your steering wheel-it’s usually on either side of your steering column and will look like a small red button. Pressing it will release all pressure from your brake pedal so that no one will be able to move the car while it’s parked.

Once you have done both of those things, take your spare key and insert it into your ignition switch. Turn it clockwise just enough to get power to your car’s electronics. Once power has been applied, press any button on your radio (the ignition switch doesn’t matter) three times within 10 seconds. The vehicle should now start up!

If there is a chip in your car key, a common question that many people ask when they purchase a new car is whether or not their car comes equipped with chips inside of their keys. If someone stole your original set of keys, would they be able to start your vehicle? Many modern vehicles come equipped with smart keys, which allow you to control certain aspects of your vehicle through buttons on your key fob.

Conclusion

Some individuals are skeptical that these keys may have a chip placed inside of them. Typically, the chip is positioned beneath or on top of a key. This enables easy identification of any tampering with a vehicle.

It can also assist to prevent car theft by allowing only specific people to start it. When attempting to find out how to start your car without a chip key you should return it to the dealership or speak with a mechanic about how they recommend resolving your issue.

Summary

You started your vehicle without a key fob or a chip key. It’s now time to drive safely away. Remember to belt up before you go, or you’ll get pulled over.

I hope these instructions were useful. Please leave a comment if they weren’t or if you have any further questions regarding how to start my car without a chip key or how to identify whether my car key has a chip. Thank you for your time!

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About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!

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