So you have driven five hours to ride a great ATV trail through some beautiful mountains, you get the campsite set up and you go to unload the ATV and realize you left the key at home. The ten-hour round trip drive is off the table, so you have two choices: You can spend the weekend camping with the ATV on the trailer, or you can find a way to start the ATV without the key.
Here is what you need to know. As a disclaimer, don’t go stealing someone’s ATV using this advice. Only use it on an ATV you legally own for which you do not have a key.
How do you start an ATV without a key? Here are 7 ways you can try.
Your ATV key is not some magic trigger that makes everything in the engine work. Turning the key in the ignition opens and closes a circuit that allows a spark to ignite the engine. Once that spark ignites the engine, assuming your engine is good, then you are good to go, with or without a key.
The real dilemma in the situation where you don’t have a key to your ATV us whether you want a permanent solution or something just for the weekend. The other issue is how much you are willing to risk damage to the ATV and how much you are willing to spend.
I am going to start with the less ideal methods that should probably only be used when you really need it or just don’t care because it is an old machine or because you are going to get an new ignition anyway.
This one will not work on all ATVs, but if your ATV has an alternative start method that permits you to do a pull or kick start, this is going to be your best option by far.
Hopefully you have your owner’s manual or can locate an owner’s manual online so you can look at the exact directions for your ATV model, but here are the basic steps.
Okay, hot wiring an ATV is going to depend on the type of ATV you own. Basically, the goal behind it is to change the wires so they bypass the ignition switch, leaving the circuit open so that a spark can start the ATV’s engine.
I am going to list the different hot wiring guides I have found so you can hopefully determine which one will work best for your ATV.
This option is probably the best and easiest of the hot wiring methods if is available to you. Just remember to leave some extra wire from the ignition so you can rewire it if you find or replace your key.
It typically is connected via 3 Philips screws.
Then put the cluster housing cover back on with the three screws.This method is not going to work on most ATVs, but you may get lucky. It will only work on certain ATVs that have an electric starter without an alternative start method.
You might as well give it a try and see if you are able to do it before moving on to the more advanced hot wiring discussed above.
First, you need to locate the ATV’s starter relay or solenoid. It is usually located on the outside of the plastic right next to or under the battery and near the wiring harness.
A starter solenoid is a switch that controls a high amp load with a low amp. Starter solenoids come in all different shapes and sizes, but normally they have a round or square body with two larger and two smaller wires. The larger wires are for the high amp load and the smaller wires are for the low amp switch.
Your ATV’s solenoid may only have one smaller wire if the ground is coming from the frame where it is mounted.
It may be sitting in a plastic or rubber cover, but it’s not uncommon for it to be on the outside.
Once you have located the starter solenoid, you should see two big main wires. Hopefully, it will be set up so you can jump those two main wires using a wrench. If you can jump the wires, you should be able to start the ATV.
This method requires you to take apart the ignition so I would only use it if you are planning to get a new ignition to install or if you are comfortable enough with getting the ignition back together if you plan on it.
The point of this method is to basically line up the ignition the same way turning your key would. Follow these 5 steps to give it a try.
This is the first method I saw used to start a vehicle when I was 13 or 14. My friend wanted to take our his parent’s spare vehicle, but didn’t have a key so he took a screwdriver, jammed it into the ignition, turned it and the van started right up. While this method works, it is not ideal.
Once you have jammed a screwdriver into your ignition, there is no point in a key because anything you jam in there will turn the ignition. There is also a good chance of damaging your ATV’s ignition to the point where you need to buy a new one anyway.
I have also seen people use one blade of a pair of scissors the same way. I am not sure if one is any better for your ignition, but I would have to assume there is not much difference.
This is definitely your best option if it is available. If you are in the situation we described above where you are far from home and simply left your key behind, you may be able to buy a new key from a local dealer.
Assuming you can locate a dealer near you that can replace keys by the code, get in contact with someone back home that can access your ATV key.
There should be a code stamped onto the key. If you tell the local dealer that code, they should be able to make you a new one. Another alternative that may work is telling the dealer your ATV VIN and model. If they trust you didn’t steal the ATV, they may make you a new key.
If you don’t have the code stamped on your key, your best option is finding a lock smith that can hopefully cut you a new key.
Note some locksmiths also have key codes so that may be an alternative if you can’t fine a local dealer that can make you a key from the code.
If you can’t get a locksmith to your ATV, you can hopefully remove the ignition from your ATV and get a key made.
If you aren’t in the situation where you are camping and need immediate access to the ATV, getting a new ignition switch is a good alternative, especially if you can’t get a new key made.
A new ignition switch is surprisingly inexpensive and should be easy to install. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take it to a dealer to have it done for you.
Check out our recommended gear to see the tools we always like to carry with us.
by Lee
We’re only human, so, naturally, we lose our keys.
What sucks is when you lose the keys to your ATV and don’t know what to do?
For some ATV’s and side by sides, losing a key is not a huge deal. For other ATVs, it sucks, and it’s not an easy fix.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what brand and what model ATV or side by side you have.
Do you have a Yamaha, Kawasaki, Polaris, or Arctic Cat? If so, it won’t be so bad. All you need is a regular cut key or a new ignition switch.
Do you own a Can-Am? It’ll be more involved.
Yamaha, Kawasaki, Polaris, and Arctic Cat use what is called a “cut key.” It’s very similar to your house key, where a machine cuts the grooves into a blank key.
Below is a picture of a blank key (right) and the key after it’s been cut (left).
If you lost all your keys for this type of ATV it will require you to buy a new ignition system that comes with a set of new keys.
You pop-out the old ignition, disconnect the wires, plug in a new ignition and lock it in. It’s as simple as that.
Here is a great video showing you how to do this. The advice shown will work on most ATVs that use a cut key.
Can-Am likes to use a digital key, often called DESS. The keys are not cut but instead programmed to your ATV or side by side.
Can-Am does have some models that do use a regular cut key which is often found on their lower-end models.
To get a new key for this model will require you to visit your local dealer and order a new ignition system like you would for other ATVs.
To get a new digital key will require you to take it to the dealership and have them program a new one. Sometimes there is a charge to program the key.
Don’t be surprised if the dealership runs the VIN against a list of stolen ATVs. This is why Can-Am does a digital key, it’s to cut down on theft of ATVs and side by sides.
Here are pictures of what a digital key will look like
The top picture is the old digital key and the bottom picture is the new digital key that Can-Am uses. Both keys can be programmed for different riding styles like performance, cruising, or work.
If you have an ATV that doesn’t use a digital key, then you most often can hotwire an ATV.
If you do have a digital key, it’s impossible to hotwire an ATV without breaking something or putting the ATV in a limp-home mode.
You do need to be careful of modern ATVs without a digital key as they’re getting sneaky in stopping hotwiring because of ATV theft. In other words, I would not guess what wires to cross as it could break something. It’s often easier to just buy a new ignition system than to hotwire.
One of the best places is eBay. You’ll need to search for your brand and model.
Another option is your local ATV dealership, as they’ll have exactly what you need.
If you still have one of the keys and want a spare key, it can be tricky.
If you have a Can-Am with a digital key, you can go to the dealership and have them program you a new one.
Those with a cut key, you’ll need to find blanks. Your local dealership will have them and often instock.
Since many ATVs use a standard size key, you can often get keys like this here that need to be cut.
To get the keys cut, you’ll need to take them somewhere that have the old-school key cutters.
Places like Ace Hardware or mom & pop hardware stores often have them. Going to your local Lowes or Home Depot and using that vending machine won’t work as it’s made for house keys and some car keys.
Make sure to buy extra blanks. I’ve run into my fair share of people who can’t use the old-school key cutters and end up breaking the key.
A sure-fire bet will be your local locksmith. They have all the tools needed to cut the key and do it right. I doubt they’ll have the blanks, but I bet they can get them if you really needed them.
I need to mention this as I’ve run into people needing a new key when, in fact, it was not the issue they had.
There ATV was not starting, and they thought the key or ignition was bad. They later come to find out it was something else, often it’s was the battery.
I have a great article that goes over the reasons why your ATV won’t start here.
The loss of a motorcycle key, especially if it was the only one, will not please anyone.
So, he walked around, fiddling with the keys in his hands, and then op ... where did he leave them? I checked all the pockets, shook all the bags, climbed around the bike ... as if I had sunk into the water! Panic!
The problem of losing a key is not only the cost of replacing it, but also the impossibility of driving a motorcycle from the place where the loss was discovered. Sometimes there are even difficulties with signaling when a motorcycle without a key does not recognize you as the owner. Passers-by squint incredulously and think that a novice hijacker is operating. nine0003
By the way, some services may ask you to provide documents for the bike to prove ownership, and only after that they will agree to make a key.
Owners of age models in case of loss of keys with the right dexterity can start the engine bypassing. This is a useful skill for travelers. There are no worse breakdowns than those that occur when you are away from civilization. No one wants to “vote” on the highway and then look for a tow truck because of a stupid oversight.
In this case, the motorcycle will have to be delivered not to its master, but where it will turn out. So-so bonus in the distance. nine0003
For older motorcycles, key replacement is faster and much cheaper. It is enough to find an organization that can restore the key from the locks. The owner of the motorcycle will have to remove the ignition switch and another lock from the tank or case. This is done because the master key interacts with each of the locks in different ways. If you provide only one lock, there is a risk of getting a key that only one opens. It will be a shame if it turns out to be a wardrobe trunk lock.
Another option is to simply replace the corresponding blocks with new ones with a different set of keys. It is not a problem to find everything you need on the sites of shops and free ads, but you will have to wait for delivery and spend time / money on installation.
The worst thing is to lose the contactless key. It won’t be possible to start the engine just like that, and replacing the key will cost not just a pretty penny, but a lot of pennies .
.. The contactless key is programmed only for a specific motorcycle, which means that for replacement you will have to program a new chip and change the corresponding unit that recognizes it. This work is troublesome, requires more time and, of course, money. nine0003
In order not to run around in a frantic search for specialists when the key is already lost, it is better to calculate this probability in advance. The information will not be superfluous and will save time or nerves if the worst scenario does happen. When the moment of humility comes that the search for the key was not successful, you will only have to dial the right numbers and arrive at the right address, and not sit on a bench and google options.
When buying a motorcycle, be sure to check whether it is possible to start it without a key if the main one suddenly turns out to be lost. nine0003
Why not make a duplicate in case of unforeseen circumstances? You can carry a spare key with you in the inside pocket of your jacket or backpack, or you can simply leave it with a loved one.
And you can also make a habit so that over time it will eat into muscle memory: determine the place for the key, where it will automatically send, even when the driver is very tired or absent-minded.
Add a bright element to your key, such as a key ring or ribbon. When the key falls out, it should be noticeable. nine0003
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Author : Dmitry Efimov
The first and most important mistake that a car enthusiast makes when they discover that they have lost their car keys is to panic. And now a person stands in confusion in front of the now closed "real estate" and feverishly fumbles in his pockets in the hope that the key will magically be found and the situation will resolve itself. nine0003
Contents:
Take a deep breath, exhale and try to find the key yourself first.
The help of a friend in this situation will be very helpful. Ask him to stay near the car and knock on it, while you yourself go along your last route at this time or look in the area for houses. The sound signal and vibration from the key fob will be excellent reference points.
If the search did not lead to the desired result, it's time to remember where the duplicate is, or else look for it all with the same participation of a friend. nine0003
If the car key is lost, this does not mean that you need to run to make a duplicate and reflash the immobilizer, the key may have remained in the car. We will tell you several ways how you can open the car yourself. As soon as you start doing any manipulations, an alarm will go off. And if there are no keys in the cabin, then you will remain in a difficult position: neither turn off the alarm, nor start the ignition. nine0003
There are several ways to open the car yourself if you have lost your car keys:
In the case of cars that are not too new, you can use a ruler or a hook to try to open the car through the gap between the glass and the door.
Another option for not new cars, where the windshield and rear glass are not glued, is to remove the seal (or, more simply, gum) and further extrude the glass. The advantage of this method is that if everything is done carefully, then the glass can be returned to its place without any problems. nine0003
You can try to remove the seal at the front window on the driver's side and, having gained access to the block mechanism, unlock the car with improvised means.
After inserting the wire into the passenger compartment through the door seal, press the start button or grab and pull the inside door handle.
If all of the above methods did not work, you will have to break the driver's or 5 door lock. Some thin, but strong object is inserted into the lock cylinder, after which it turns with force. After such manipulation, the mechanism cannot be restored. nine0003
As a last resort, the glass can be broken.
If you lost the car key that is synchronized with the immobilizer, you have 3 options:
Call the workshop and arrange a call for a master who will produce and reprogram a new key on the spot.
Remove the immobilizer with the door lock yourself and take it to the workshop. nine0003
Bring the machine to the workshop on a tow truck for all necessary work.
If the car keys without a chip are lost, then the recovery is much easier. If you have a second copy, a duplicate will be made quickly and inexpensively. In other situations, you have 3 options:
Dismantle the lock yourself and bring it to the workshop. It will be disassembled and a duplicate will be made according to the pins. nine0003
Call a specialist directly to the car, he will use a special device to count the pins without disassembling the lock and make a new key on the spot.
If you still have the tag issued at the time of car purchase, the master will use special software to decrypt the code and make a key from it.
Don't forget that you will be asked to show proof of car ownership. But if the car keys are lost without reference to the immobilizer, then restoring them is much easier. nine0003
Serious suspicions about the theft of the key should be a reason to immediately contact the police and write a statement about the theft. In the future, if something happens to the car, a written statement will facilitate communication with insurers, who may begin to evade paying compensation and demand a complete set of keys.
Let's consider a situation where a car owner lost his car keys in St. Petersburg and decided to use the services of a dealer. This is a reasonable decision, as the dealer keeps all the data relating to the cars sold, and the new key will be fully functional and original.
