If you have lost your car key or the ignition switch has stopped working, it is possible to start the engine with a screwdriver. But you should be careful about using this method as it may damage your car’s interior and cause electrical shock.
First, you need to remove the screws that hold the mechanical part of the ignition switch and the electrical wires together. Afterward, insert a flathead screwdriver into the keyhole and turn it the way you would normally turn your car key.
Next, place the metal part of the screwdriver across the spot where the positive cable leads to your battery. This is called hotwiring your car.
This will make the starter solenoid work and start your car. You will need to do this a few times before it starts.
Another option is to use a power drill to break the ignition lock cylinder pins. This is a safe process but can be difficult to do when you’re not equipped with a power drill.
However, if the car you’re trying to start has an immobilizer function in its ignition key, this won’t help. Most modern vehicles have an immobilizer that disables the engine control system when it senses a malfunctioning key.
There are a few ways to bypass your car’s ignition switch if you don’t have a key, including hot wiring and using a red coil wire. However, hot wiring and using a red coil wire are more dangerous than the other methods, so you should be extra careful when doing them.