Our company logo
phone icon

3 Easy ways to start a car without a key

If you have ever dealt with car mechanism breakages and you examined the insides of your car, you know there are so many different details that only a technician is fully familiar with. However, what if you need to start the car without the key? How to deal with all these mechanisms? There are three most famous methods to do it without a key. Each of them requires at least minimal technical knowledge and skills, so if you don't have them, it's better to entrust the solution to your problem to professional automotive locksmith. If you were a car mechanic in the past or at least listened carefully to your dad when he told you how to repair a car under the hood, then read below to learn more about each method.

Screwdriver and hammer

Using a screwdriver and hammer is the easiest way to start a car without keys. However, using them can be quite dangerous, as they can damage the ignition switch. This method might be perfect when you need to disable the lock pins. Still, it would be better that you prepare yourself for the fact that your locking mechanism might accidentally get damaged.
What do you need to do?
  • Insert a screwdriver into the keyhole and gently hit it with a hammer. This technique will break the locking pins in the ignition and help you turn it on without a key.
    • Screwdriver and hammer for ignition
    Screwdriver and hammer for ignition

    Red coil wire method

    The red coil wire method should only be used if you have sufficient technical knowledge of cars. If you are not a mechanic, it is better to avoid trying to start the car using this method.
    What do you need to do?
  • First, open the hood and find the red wire with the coil. After that, connect one end of the jumper cable to the wire and the other to the positive battery terminal. As a result, the indicators on the dashboard should blink.
  • The second step is to unlock your steering wheel. It may be done with a screwdriver. Locate the locking pin under the steering column cover and press it with the screwdriver. When the pin comes free, try to unlock the steering wheel.
  • You should then be able to see the starter solenoid. It would help if you connected the other end of the jumper cable to the solenoid. After completing all the previous steps, your car should start.

    • Hot wiring the ignition

    This method is usually used for older car models. Just like with the previous method, it requires some skill and knowledge. Ignition issues when tread badly, might lead to severe consequences.
    What do you need to do?
  • 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.
    • Hot wiring the ignition
  • 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.
    • Hot wiring the ignition

    Summing Up

    Having the technical knowledge and skills to work with cars is very useful. However, we have an offer if you do not have them and would like to entrust this work to professionals. Sure Lock & Key has been providing car locksmith services for more than 35 years. A professional locksmith will help you start a car without a key, unlock a door or make a new key. Call us, and we will assist you at any time of the day, throughout the year.

    You may also like

    blog photo

    Why you shouldn't try to unlock a car by yourself

    Car lockouts are probably among the most common locksmith issues that happen to us. In most cases, they are really random and occur when we expect them the least, causing panic and stress. Finding the most appropriate and wise solution when facing an emergency may be quite difficult. People usually waste time trying to unlock the car by themself, giving in to emotions. Let's face it, how many of them cope with this trouble and get the keys out without damaging the car? These actions usually complicate the situation. That’s why professional locksmith automotive assistance would be the most intelligent solution for saving time, avoiding car damage, and getting less stress. In this article, Sure Lock & Key will explain why leaving car lockouts to the pros is so important. Keep reading to know more.