{"id":1604,"date":"2022-03-22T19:12:20","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T19:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=1604"},"modified":"2022-03-22T19:12:22","modified_gmt":"2022-03-22T19:12:22","slug":"how-to-start-car-without-key","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/how-to-start-car-without-key\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Car Without Key (Simple DIY Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There\u2019s nothing more frustrating than losing your car key. After tearing your home, purse, and car apart in search of your keys, you\u2019ve probably wondered if it\u2019s possible to start your car without a key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Although it\u2019s tricky, there are a few ways you can start your car without a key, such as hot wiring or using a tool like a screwdriver.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/how-to-start-car-without-key\/#How_Do_You_Start_a_Car_Without_a_Key\" title=\"How Do You Start a Car Without a Key?\">How Do You Start a Car Without a Key?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/how-to-start-car-without-key\/#How_to_Start_Car_Without_Key_Fob\" title=\"How to Start Car Without Key Fob\">How to Start Car Without Key Fob<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/how-to-start-car-without-key\/#How_Long_Does_It_Take_to_Hotwire_a_Car\" title=\"How Long Does It Take to Hotwire a Car?\">How Long Does It Take to Hotwire a Car?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/issues\/how-to-start-car-without-key\/#Will_All_Cars_Start_Without_a_Key\" title=\"Will All Cars Start Without a Key?\">Will All Cars Start Without a Key?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Start_a_Car_Without_a_Key\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Do You Start a Car Without a Key?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to get your car started without a key is to call a locksmith or a friend who might have access to a spare. However, if those aren\u2019t options, you can use the methods here to get your car started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 1: Using a Screwdriver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A screwdriver is one of the most common tools you can use to start your car without a key. It\u2019s a simple process that doesn\u2019t require much knowledge of cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Flathead screwdriver<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Remove the Screws<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Using your screwdriver, remove the screws around your keyhole in the steering column. Then, remove the plastic rim around your keyhole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Remove the Bolts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll see several bolts holding your ignition switch to the steering column. Remove them to unlock your steering wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Remove the Electrical Screws<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, remove the set of screws that hold the ignition switch components together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 4: Start the Car<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve removed your screws, you can try to start your car. Simply insert the screwdriver into your ignition and turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 2: Hot Wiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Flathead screwdriver<\/li><li>Wire stripper<\/li><li>Owner\u2019s manual or internet access<\/li><li>Electrical tape<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Remove the Screws<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Remove the Access Panel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve removed the steering column cover, you\u2019ll need to also remove the access panel. You should be able to just pull it out, revealing the ignition wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Find the Ignition Wires<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll have to look up what color your ignition wires are online or in the owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 4: Strip the Wires<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 5: Find the Starter Wire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Locate your starter wire and strip some of the insulation off. Then, touch it to the two ignition wires you just twisted together. It\u2019s a live wire, so don\u2019t twist it together because you\u2019ll get a nasty shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 6: Secure the Wires<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a bit of electrical tape, secure the end of the starter wire to avoid any unintended shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 3: How to Start a Car With Scissors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another method of starting your car without a key is to use scissors. However, this could potentially be very damaging to your ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Scissors<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Find the Right Scissors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Find a pair of scissors that has a blade that\u2019s thin and narrow enough that it\u2019ll fit into your ignition\u2019s keyhole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Insert the Blade<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Insert one of the scissor\u2019s blades into your ignition, moving it around until you feel it settle or fall into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Start the Car<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you think the scissor blade is in the right spot, twist. If your car starts, then you\u2019ve succeeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 4: Hammer and Screwdriver<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a screwdriver and hammer to start your car can be simple and effective. That said, just be forewarned that it\u2019ll also most likely permanently damage your car\u2019s ignition switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Flathead screwdriver<\/li><li>Hammer<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Place the Screwdriver<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Carefully line your screwdriver up in the keyhole, letting it rest on the edges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Hammer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Hit the handle of your screwdriver with the hammer. This will break the pins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Start the Car<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the pins are broken, you should be able to use the screwdriver to turn the ignition like you would a key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 5: Use the Red Coil Wire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The red coil wire method is a viable option if you\u2019re well-versed with 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Tools and Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Owners manual or Internet access<\/li><li>Drill<\/li><li>Flathead screwdriver<\/li><li>Jumper cables<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 1: Find the Red Wire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 2: Unlock Your Steering Wheel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Step 3: Connect the Solenoid<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/How-to-Start-Car-Without-Key-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Start_Car_Without_Key_Fob\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Start Car Without Key Fob<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve lost your key fob, there are a few ways you can start your car without it. Then, as soon as you\u2019re able, order a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kbb.com\/car-advice\/key-fob-replacement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">replacement fob<\/a> to replace the one you lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 1: Hot Wire It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cars are finicky about starting your car without the key fob. However, you can use one of the methods listed above to bypass the ignition lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 2: Use the Mobile App<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some newer cars come with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2019\/05\/16\/success\/cell-phone-app-car-key\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mobile app<\/a> that allows you to start the vehicle remotely. That being the case, the first thing you should do is check to see if your car is one of the brands with this convenient feature. If it does, download the app, and you should be good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>Method 3: Use the Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although many vehicles have a push-button start these days, they all still have the option to start your car with a key. Simply remove the plastic cover that conceals your keyhole, release the key from the fob, put it in the ignition, and turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_It_Take_to_Hotwire_a_Car\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Long Does It Take to Hotwire a Car?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have all the appropriate tools on hand and feel confident in your automotive skills, hotwiring a car shouldn\u2019t take more than a few minutes. However, if you\u2019re not terribly skilled with cars and haven\u2019t attempted hotwiring before, it could take you far longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_All_Cars_Start_Without_a_Key\"><\/span><a><\/a>Will All Cars Start Without a Key?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether a car will start without a key is dependent on the type of car it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, many cars don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some cars, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.laspositascollege.edu\/auto\/assets\/resources\/Theft_Deterrent_Key_Learn_Procedures.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">especially newer ones<\/a>, have complex electronic failsafes that make it nearly impossible to hotwire. That said, older models are usually easy to hotwire.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s nothing more frustrating than losing your car key. After tearing your home, purse, and car apart in search of your keys, you\u2019ve probably wondered&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-issues","wpcat-23-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1604"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1607,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604\/revisions\/1607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}