How to Start old Cars Without Using Keys or Hotwiring

Lose your car keys and you are stuck when trying to go somewhere. There are a few tips for older cars that you can use. The newer ones are another story. Check out the steps below on how to start an old car without your keys or hotwiring.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Break open the steering lock. This is assuming, of course, you have not locked the car doors. Use a crowbar and turn the steering wheel. Work the old casing back and forth until it comes apart.

2. Continue to work the steering wheel back and forth. Expose everything under the wheel and around the ignition. Locate a black cap. It should be down the ignition barrel.

3. Pry the cap off with a heavy-duty screwdriver or pry bar. Look at the area where you removed the cap on the steering wheel. You should see a notch or groove. Break the ignition barrel with the screwdriver or a hammer, if you need to.

4. Place the screwdriver on the reverse of the ignition. Turn it to start the old car. Now you have successfully completed the job of starting an old car without keys or hotwiring.

Tips & Warnings

• Another option is to start an older car with a standard transmission by getting it rolling. Park on a hill and, when it won't start, put it in neutral, depress the clutch and roll it downhill until the car starts. Alternatively, you could get someone to push you with their car until it starts.

• By following these steps, you break the steering column, which may cause further problems.