Hotwiring is the technique of starting the engine of any vehicle without using the key. People may have seen in many movies where the thief will start the car by connecting two wires underneath the steering system. You may doubt whether hotwiring is an easy way to start a car. Of course, it is easy to hotwire a car by following a few steps. So, let us discuss how to hotwire a car in case you miss your car key.
Different Methods to Hotwire a Car:
Some of the popular methods that most people use to hotwire a car by bypassing the ignition system include,
- Powering the dashboard
- Drilling a hole in the lock system
- Tampering the wire under the steering system
Powering the Dashboard:

Under this method, the first step is to find the red coil wire, which will differ in different engine cars. While in six-cylinder engines, you will find the red coil wire on the left side close to the middle of the engine. In the case of four-cylinder engines, you will get it on the right side close to the engine’s center.
You need to connect the jumper cable to any positive battery terminal on the coil. You can also connect it to the red wire, which may lead to the coil. Soon after, it will power the dashboard that leads to an engine’s start.
The next step is to find the starter solenoid, and the position of this starter varies in different car models. You can use the screwdriver between the wheel and the column to push the lock pin out. Finally, unlock the steering wheel, where you will find the solenoid beneath.
After finding the solenoid, locate the small wire on it, where you will find a battery cable below it. Using an insulated screwdriver, you can disconnect the wire from the solenoid. Now, use the battery’s positive terminal to connect it to the ignition switch. This connection will activate the solenoid and thus, the engine starts now.
Drilling a hole in the lock system:
Most people doubt how to hotwire a car using a screwdriver. But it is easy, and one can do it by following a certain procedure. The first step is to take a drill and position it on the keyhole. Now, allow drilling inside to remove the pins so that one can easily unlock them using a screwdriver. When you lose your car keys, you can use this method to unlock the locking system.
You will find two sections in the lock pin, so you must drill a little and remove them. While drilling, check for its length; it should not be more than the length of the key. Again, you need to drill to let the pieces go in line.
Since the pins are already fallen apart, it is easy to push the screwdriver into it. Now, you need to move the screwdriver clockwise to start the engine. This method seems to be easy, and one can do it without using the car key.
Tampering the wire under the steering system:

Step 1 – Removing the plastic covers of the steering column: This is another method of how to hotwire a car. The first step is removing the steering column to get access. After removing the cover, you need to locate the right bundle of electrical cables.
Step 2 – Locating the right wire bundle: Generally, you will find three bundles where you need to find the wiring harness connector. This harness connector is the one that connects to the battery, followed by ignition and starter. Furthermore, the connection goes to the starting location’s steering column. To find out the different wires in the panel, read the car manual carefully to make a difference.
The next step is to remove the wire bundle that provides power to the ignition switch, wires, and the starter. You will find wires of various colors but ensure that you read the manual to identify the right bundle.
In most cases, you will find the ignition brown, the battery wire red, and the starter wire yellow. You should be cautious while moving the wires, as you will get electrocuted. Take the battery wires and cut an inch on the insulation area to join them. Then, cover the joined part using insulation tape to stay safe from its surrounding metal area. After joining the wires, it will provide power to the ignition area.
Step 3 – Connecting the On/Off Wire to the Battery: Once you join the wires, you will see the signs of starting the car. But the problem is that you should not spark the dangerous starting wire. Thus, you must carefully peel off the ignition wire without letting it spark. Now, touch the bare wire on the battery and allow it to spark without worrying. So, the car may start immediately without using the key.
Step 4 – Rev the Engine: Soon after the car starts, you need to rev the engine a few times. This will help the car to run steadily without any problems. Now, you can remove the starter wire and ride the car on your own. Once you are done, you can stop the car by disconnecting the ignition and battery wires.
The Bottom Line:
When you miss the car keys, you can try a new experience of starting the car by following the above methods. Read through the article on how to hotwire a car during emergency conditions.
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