Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Starting the car from the steering column
• Method 2 of 3: Drill out the ignition lock
• Method 3 of 3: Powering the Dash
• Tips
• Warnings

With most newer cars it is not easy to access the wiring, the steering column is often equipped with all kinds of safety measures to prevent the car from being started without a key. But with older cars (until the mid-1990s) it is often possible to start without a key, very handy if you have lost your keys. Be very careful when working with the wiring and read the owner's manual for specific instructions on the color codes and wiring for your type of car. Quickly go to step 1 to learn how to start your car without a key.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Starting the car from the steering column

1. Enter the car. You can only smash the glass if the car is yours and if you can prove it. But watch out, your car alarm could go off.
   • This method only works on cars from the mid-1990s or older. With newer models a lot of time has been spent on security, and starting without a key is only possible if you are an expert. For example, if you try it on a 2002 Honda Civic, the alarm will go off and the starter mechanism will be blocked, preventing anyone from starting the car.
   • Check in the manual whether the steering column can be disassembled. This method can permanently damage the steering column.
2. Remove the plastic housing from the steering column. The case is usually held in place by a few hidden clips or some Phillips-head screws. Remove the clips or screws and then remove the housing.
   • On some old cars, you can turn the ignition lock without a key by just hitting a flathead screwdriver in just the right way. Then you can turn the screwdriver to start the car. It is very difficult, but not impossible.
3. Distinguish the different bundles of wires. When you have removed the panel from the steering column you will see all kinds of wires. Do not be discouraged, but learn to recognize the right bundle. There are usually three main bundles of wires:
   • Wiring the levers on one side of the steering column, such as light and turn signal.
   • The wiring of the levers on the other side, such as windshield wiper or heated seats.
   • The wiring that is connected to the battery and the ignition switch
4. Push aside the battery bundle and ignition switch. One of these wires is the ignition switch power supply, another wire is ignition wire, and one more wire is for starting. The other colors depend on the manufacturer. Read the manual or look online to distinguish the different colors.
   • Sometimes the contact wires are brown and the starter wires are yellow, the battery wires are usually red. But the only way to know for sure is to read the manual. Be careful, you will be live if you connect the wrong wires.
5. Strip the battery wires about 1 inch and twist them together. Wrap some tape and make sure they don't touch metal parts. By wiring these wires together, you supply power to the ignition lock, so that the engine can run after the car has started.
6. Connect the ignition switch to the battery wire. Now you will see the lights on the dashboard light up. If you did this to listen to the radio, you are now done. If you want to drive the car you have to connect the starter wire, and that can be dangerous.
7. Strip the starter wire about 1/2 inch, but be very careful. Now you have to be careful that the wires do not accidentally make contact, keep everything under control. Hold the stripped end of the starter wire against the end of the battery wires. Do not try to tighten it, but spark the ends to start the car.
8. Press the accelerator. If you have managed to start the car, you can accelerate to prevent the engine from stopping and having to start all over again.
   • As soon as the engine is running you can remove the starter wire and start driving. If you want to turn the engine off, just disconnect the battery wires from the ignition wires and the engine will stop.
9. Break the steering lock. The steering lock has probably already been activated, which means that you can only steer after you have broken the steering lock.
   • With some models you only have to break off the metal keyhole, this releases a spring and the lock is broken. If you've already rammed a screwdriver into the ignition because you have a 1970s or 80s car, the steering lock is probably already broken.
   • With some models you just have to put a lot of force. Move the handlebars hard in both directions, as if you wanted to loosen the handlebars. You can also attach a hammer to the handlebars and use it as a lever to apply more power. If the steering lock breaks you will probably be able to hear it. Then you can finally start driving.

Method 2 of 3: Drill out the ignition lock

1. Place a drill on the keyhole about 2/3 from the bottom. In this method, you try to disable the ignition, after which you can start the car with a flat screwdriver instead of the key. This is often done on cars where the keys have been lost.
2. Drill to about the length of the key. Each lock pin has two parts, followed by a spring, so drill it a few times, taking the drill out of the lock each time so that different pieces of the lock fall into place.
3. Insert the screwdriver in the same way as with an ignition key. You don't have to insert the screwdriver deeply, because the pins are broken anyway. Turn the screwdriver about 1/4 turn to try to start the engine.
   • Warning: this method will break your ignition, after which anyone can start the car with a screwdriver or a strong nail.

Method 3 of 3: Powering the Dash

1. Open the hood and try to find the red ignition coil wire. Both the ignition coil and the spark plug wires can be found in the case of V8 engines at the rear. On four-cylinder engines, they are usually on the right side, next to the center of the engine. In engines with six cylinders, they are often right on the left.
2. Get out your jumper cables. Place one red clamp on the positive battery post and the other red clamp on either the positive side of the ignition coil or the red wire leading to the ignition coil. In this way the dashboard gets power, and you have to if you want to start the engine.
3. Find the solenoid. The solenoid is usually on the starter motor. Some cars have it under the steering wheel.
4. Break the steering lock. Press a flat screwdriver in the center of the top of the steering column, apply pressure between the steering wheel and the steering column. The goal is to print the steering wheel lock. Don't worry, you can use some force now.
   • Breaking the lock will not trigger the alarm, and now you can find the solenoid under the steering wheel.
5. Connect the solenoid to the positive battery terminal. You will see a small wire on the top of the solenoid and the positive battery wire underneath. Remove the wire from the ignition switch of the solenoid and with an insulated screwdriver, short circuit by connecting the positive terminal of the solenoid to the terminal where the ignition wire is connected.
   • This gives 12 volts to the solenoid, directly from the battery. Now the solenoid will activate and the engine will start.

Tips

• You can irreparably damage your car if you try to start without a key.
• Do not leave the ignition wires connected after turning the engine off. This can damage the ignition switch and drain the battery.
• Cars with a computer chip in the ignition lock cannot be started without a key.
• Most cars will trigger an alarm if you don't do it properly.
• Use this knowledge responsibly.

Warnings

• Wear insulated gloves.
• If the contact wires become loose while driving, the engine will turn off and you will drive without power steering and power brakes.
• Use this information never to steal a car.