How to Start a Car Without a Key Fob: 8 Different Methods

Introduction

It’s one of the most common problems faced by car owners all over the world – you’ve lost your car key fob, or it has stopped working. What do you do now? Many people think their only option is to call a tow truck, but there are actually several methods you can use to start your car without a key fob.

This article will explore 8 different methods for starting a car without a key fob, from using a spare key to hot-wiring, pushing start ignition systems, jumpstarting the battery, using a screwdriver, an onboard diagnostic (OBD) device, and calling for professional assistance.

Use a Spare Key

The first option to consider when you’ve lost your key fob is to use a spare key. If you have a spare key, it should be able to open the door and turn on the ignition. However, if you don’t have a spare key, you’ll need to look into other methods.

Do You Have a Spare Key?

If you have a spare key, it may not be as easy to find as you think. According to a survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA), “nearly one in five drivers (19%) misplace their car keys at least once per month.” That means that if you have a spare key, it could be anywhere! Take some time to search around your house and check with family members and friends to see if they know where it is.

Steps for Using a Spare Key

Once you’ve located a spare key, here’s what you need to do:

• Insert the key into the door lock and turn it clockwise to unlock the door.
• Insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise to start the car.
• If the car doesn’t start, make sure the key is in the “on” position.

Hot-Wiring

Hot-wiring is a method of bypassing the electrical system of the car to start the engine. It’s a dangerous process and should be done with extreme caution. Hot-wiring should only be attempted by experienced car mechanics and should never be done by someone who is not familiar with the car’s electrical system.

Is Hot-Wiring Necessary?

Hot-wiring is often seen as an easy way to start a car without a key fob, but it’s important to remember that hot-wiring should only be used as a last resort. It’s a complex and potentially dangerous process that should only be attempted by experienced car mechanics.

Steps for Hot-Wiring

If you decide to attempt hot-wiring, here are the steps you need to follow:

• Locate the starter motor and the ignition switch.
• Disconnect the wires from the starter motor and the ignition switch.
• Connect the wires from the starter motor to the ignition switch.
• Turn the key in the ignition to start the car.

Push Start Ignition System

Many newer cars come with a push start ignition system, which can be used to start the car without a key fob. The system uses a combination of a key fob, transponder chip, and an immobilizer to start the car, so if you don’t have the key fob, you won’t be able to start the car.

Does Your Car Have Push Start Ignition System?

The best way to determine if your car has a push start ignition system is to consult the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can also check online for information about your car’s specific model.

Steps for Starting the Car with Push Start Ignition System

Here are the steps you need to take to start the car with a push start ignition system:

• Insert the key fob into the slot in the dash.
• Press the brake pedal and press the start button.
• The car should start, and the dashboard lights should turn on.

Jumpstart the Battery

If your car won’t start because the battery is dead, you may be able to jumpstart the battery. Jumpstarting the battery is a relatively simple process, but you should always take safety precautions when dealing with electricity.

Is Jumpstarting the Battery Necessary?

Before you attempt to jumpstart the battery, you should make sure that the battery is the cause of the problem. If the battery is completely dead, you can try jumpstarting it. If the battery is not completely dead, you should check the wiring and other components of the car before attempting to jumpstart the battery.

Steps for Jumpstarting the Battery

Here are the steps you need to take to jumpstart the battery:

• Make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
• Attach the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal of the battery.
• Attach the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the battery.
• Start the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
• Start the vehicle with the dead battery.

Use a Screwdriver

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a spare key or a jumpstarter, you can use a screwdriver to start the car. This method is not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.

Is It Safe to Use a Screwdriver?

Using a screwdriver to start a car is a dangerous process and should only be attempted by experienced car mechanics. It’s also important to note that this method is illegal in some states, so you should check your local laws before attempting it.

Steps for Using a Screwdriver

If you decide to attempt this method, here are the steps you need to take:

• Remove the screws from the ignition switch.
• Insert the screwdriver into the ignition switch.
• Turn the screwdriver clockwise to start the car.

Use an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Device

An onboard diagnostic (OBD) device is a tool used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with a vehicle’s engine. Some OBD devices can also be used to start a car without a key fob.

What Is an OBD Device?

An OBD device is a tool that connects to the car’s computer and can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with the car’s engine. Some OBD devices can also be used to start the car without a key fob.

Steps for Using an OBD Device

If you decide to use an OBD device to start the car, here are the steps you need to take:

• Connect the OBD device to the car’s computer.
• Follow the instructions on the OBD device to start the car.
• If the car does not start, check the connections and make sure the OBD device is working properly.

Call for Professional Assistance

If you’ve tried all the above methods and still can’t start the car, your best option is to call a tow truck or a locksmith. Both services will be able to help you get back on the road quickly.

When Should You Call for Assistance?

If you’ve tried all the methods listed above and still can’t start the car, it’s time to call for professional assistance. A tow truck or locksmith can provide the necessary tools and expertise to get the car started quickly and safely.

What Type of Assistance Can You Expect?

A tow truck or locksmith can provide a variety of services, from jumpstarting the battery to replacing the ignition switch. They can also provide new keys if yours has been lost or stolen.

Conclusion

Starting a car without a key fob can be a difficult task, but with the right knowledge, it’s possible. This article explored 8 different methods for starting a car without a key fob, from using a spare key to hot-wiring, pushing start ignition systems, jumpstarting the battery, using a screwdriver, an onboard diagnostic device, and calling for professional assistance.

Summary

In summary, starting a car without a key fob is possible if you have the right knowledge. There are several methods you can use, from using a spare key to hot-wiring, pushing start ignition systems, jumpstarting the battery, using a screwdriver, an onboard diagnostic device, and calling for professional assistance. It’s important to remember that some of these methods can be dangerous, so be sure to take the necessary safety precautions.

Tips for Avoiding This Situation in the Future

To avoid getting stuck without a key fob in the future, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. Make sure you always have a spare key and keep it in a safe place. Also, make sure to keep your car’s maintenance up to date to prevent any potential issues with the battery or ignition switch.