How to Start a Mustang without a Key? Possible Options

If you have lost the keys to your Mustang and have given up on being reunited, you are likely wondering how to start the vehicle without a key. It could also be that your key is not working, likely because the ignition switch is acting up and failing to fire up the engine when you turn it. 

A faulty ignition switch fails to enable the flow of power from your battery to the starter motor when you turn the key. Whether you lost your key and cannot locate the spare or are suffering a failing ignition switch, we are here to help. Lucky for you, enough drivers have gone through this predicament for there to be a healthy range of options. You can count on us to walk you through them all and offer actionable advice. 

Forget about the frustration of missing keys because this article will supply all the information you need to solve your pesky problem and offer some advice that will guarantee you will not get caught in such a sticky situation again. 

How Old is Your Mustang?

We must warn you that the newer your Mustang is, the harder it will be to start without a key. Losing the keys to a modern Mustang leaves you with one option - towing your vehicle to your dealership or locksmith where they can provide a replacement. Manufacturers have equipped modern vehicles with multiple antitheft safeguards that ensure their products are not easy prey for car thieves. This means you can forget about hotwiring or using a screwdriver like the good old days.

How to Start Your Mustang Without A Key?

If you have lost your key, then you have a wider range of options than the driver whose ignition switch is malfunctioning. Drivers whose ignition switch is failing can only start their This means that if your key is no good, the methods you can use to start your Mustang are limited to the red coil wire or hot wiring method. 

1) Try to Get a Replacement Key

Don't crack open your toolbox just yet, the first logical step is to attempt to get a key replacement. The lack of a spare key severely limits your options and also increases the final tab. Your only option is to contact the nearest dealership or a locksmith who is experienced in replacing car keys. 

When calling the dealership, be ready with your Mustang's VIN. This will help the dealership determine the model and year of manufacture. The older your Mustang is the easier and cheaper it is to get a replacement key. Older cars are also much easier to start without a key because they lack modern antitheft features like immobilizers. If your Mustang has a transponder key or keyless entry system, your key replacement process will be more complex and thereby more expensive, 

Cost of Replacing a Key

Keys are the cheapest to replace when you have a spare one handy. Locksmiths charge under $75 to copy a key. The actual cost will depend on the type of key to be replaced, the number of keys you want to be made, and your location. Considering you do not have access to any of your keys, be ready to part with a pretty penny for your key replacement. 

New Mustangs whose keys have been fitted with the Passive Anti Thefts System (PATS) are an entirely different ball game. On a Ford forum, a Mustang owner shared that the cost of their key replacement included $15 for cutting the key from the VIN, $90 for the key, and $70 to tow the vehicle to the dealership. Be ready to part with no less than $200, depending on your location, the type of car, and the number of keys you wish produced, this could be up to $500.  

Even when between a rock and a hard place, it is a good idea to compare the cost of replacing at your dealership as opposed to a locksmith. Locksmiths are less expensive in general and more willing to negotiate on price if you have several keys made. We advise that you get at least two keys made, this way, if you lose one key, you can simply copy the spare for less than $100. 

2) Screwdriver Method

A flathead screwdriver and a hammer have been the go-to options for stranded car owners, joyriders, and thieves looking to start a car without a key. Mostly because you do not need any auto expertise to start a car using this method. All you need to do is follow this process:

• Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that attach the keyhole to the dashboard and steering column.
• Remove the plastic rim around the keyhole.
• Free your ignition switch by removing the bolts that join it to the steering column. Removing them will unlock your steering wheel.
• Next, locate the electric screws that hold the various ignition switch parts together and remove them.
• Finally, start the car by inserting the screw drive into the ignition like you would a key and turn it.

3) Scissors Method

Scissors are a less popular way of starting vehicles without a key because they cause severe damage to your ignition. Nonetheless, it is just as easy and foolproof as the screwdriver method. 

• Get a pair of scissors that can fit into the keyhole in your ignition. Ensure they are narrow enough even at their widest point, because you will have to insert them as far into the ignition as your key would go.
• Open your scissors and insert one of the blades into the ignition.
• Gently move the blade around inside the ignition and stop when feel it it fall or settle into position.
• Finally, keep the blade in the proper position and twist it like you would a key. If the blade is properly placed, your engine should start as soon as you turn the key.

4) Hotwiring 

Hotwiring is a popular method of getting older cars to start without a key. Unlike the two methods above, hotwiring is best done by drivers with a modest grasp of auto mechanics. If you have never been under the hood except to top up your fluids, this may not be the best option for you. Before getting started ensure you have electrical tape, flathead screwdriver, Mustang's owner's manual, and wire remover. 

• Use a drill or screwdriver to remove all the screws in the steering column cover.
• After removing the screws, pull out the access panel to expose the ignition wires.
• Next, carefully identify the ignition wires. Battery cables are easy to identify because they are typically red. However, ignition wires vary in color and you must consult your user manual, or the internet to figure out the color of the ignition wires on your Mustang.
• After ascertaining the color of your ignition wires, use your wire remover to strip down a small piece of their insulation.
• Once the insulation has been stripped off, join the two ignition wires in a twist. You should notice the interior of your Mustang light up when the engine is on but not running.
• Next, refer to your user manual to identify the starter wire. Once certain you have the right wire, strip down some of its insulation. Be careful as the starter wire is live and if mishandled, it may cause an electric shock.
• Connect the starter wire to the pair of twisted ignition wires and you should hear your engine roar to life. Do not twist the starter wire into the ignition wires.
• After connecting the starter and ignition wires, secure the end of the starter wire with some electric tape. The tape will insulate the wires and ensure you do not suffer an accidental electric shock.

5) Red Coil Wiring

Amateurs at DIY car repair are discouraged from attempting the red coil wire method of starting a car without a key. This method is rarely used on older cars because hotwiring is much easier. It gained popularity because it can start vehicles that are key-operated (like yours) or those fitted with a push-to-start or stop-engine button. This method requires that you have a flathead screwdriver, drill, owner's manual, and jumper cables before you get started. 

• Begin by identifying the red wire that is hooked in your ignition.
• Next, attach your jumper cable to the red wire.
• Attach the other end of the jumper cable to your battery's positive terminal. At this step, you should notice your interior dashboard lights switch on or begin to flicker.
• Use your flathead screwdriver to unlock your steering wheel. This is done by unscrewing the steering column cover and accessing the locking pin. Press into the pin using your screwdriver until it releases. You will know the pin has been released when your steering wheel moves freely.
• Finally, connect the starter solenoid which should be visible and accessible after you remove the cover and unlock the wheel. When you attach the starter solenoid to the other end of the jumper cable, your engine should come on.