Q&A for How to Hotwire a Car

The car's sensors have to detect the presence of the key fob and its chip before it can start up. So, no, you can't hotwire a car without it's chip.

No. Without gas the engine will not be able to create a spark to move the pistons.

You should follow the directions that are laid out in the article if you are going to hotwire a care.

You could use a starter switch. Hook it up to the battery, and whenever you pull the trigger it'll be the same as turning the key.

That car has PassLock 1 on it so you would need to bypass that in addition to hot wiring it.

Most likely, when you hotwire it just engages the engine. Its does not unlock steering column for you.

Crank the wheel hard to either side as if you were trying to twist it free. You could also use a hammer to fix in the wheel and provide leverage. You should hear it break and the wheel will be free so you'll be able to drive normally.

Depending on the year and model of the vehicle, you may be out of luck. If the vehicle has an anti-theft immobilizer system, then it will not start. Otherwise, take the ignition apart carefully and follow the wires coming in from battery and out to starter, and touch them long enough for the engine to start.

Yes but it damages the ignition and if done improperly, it can damage the column as well. If the car is equipped with an immobilizer you will be able to turn the dash on but still wont be able to start it.

If your car doesn't use an immobilizer, you should be able to start it using a wiring diagram. Use the diagram to trace how the ignition is set up. If that doesn't work, you will probably have to get the car towed.

You can't. The 2007 Ford Focus has pats (passive anti-theft system) and uses a chip in the key that is recognized by the PCM and allows the car to start.

Remove the cable from the positive battery side for 30 minutes to a hour. Reconnect and everything will be reset.

Step 1 will work for your vehicle, because it is pre-2000s.

For a Toyota 2004 Rav4L use method one with the steering column and the hot wiring to start and drive the car.

Yes. The spark sends power to the ignition system, and without the ignition system your engine won't start.

Buy a new ignition switch (for your make and model). Remove the plastic cover that covers the ignition switch, then disconnect your battery if you haven't already. Unscrew the bolts holding the switch in place and install the new one. Then simply reinstall the wires one at a time in their proper place. If you have a plug set up, use a tester to find out which wire is at fault and correct if before clipping it in place.

You more than likely messed up the ignition cylinder causing the pins not to move, so I advise you to get your car to a mechanic and have them check the ignition cylinder.

No, it uses PATS, a system that your PCM uses to detect a chip and allow your car to start.

On a 2016 and newer you have to pry the plastic covers under the steering wheel right above the pedals, and you need to be super careful because the car will be totaled if it's done wrong. I recommend you get a professional hotwire expert to do it.

Yes, but you have to break the panel below the wheel to get to the battery wires.

Yes, you can use the method on all cars without PATS (passive anti-theft system).

Yes, it is possible. Older model cars are easier to work with, unlike newer models, which have all kinds of alarms.

The 2000 GMC Yukon should not have anything fancy like passive anti-theft system, so you should be able to hotwire it as shown above.

Check your alternator and if it isn’t turning over, then there could be a chance that the engine is either seized or a bearing is gone. Also, as silly as it may sound, do make sure there is gas in the tank.

Most of the time the ignition wire are brown but you can only be sure by checking the owner's manual.

It would be tricky, you're better off with a tow truck. And don't go stealing 350z's.