This method, and in fact most methods of hot wiring a car, will only work on cars older than the mid-90s. Newer models are equipped with a whole host of locking mechanisms in place to keep you from hot-wiring the car unless you’re intimately familiar with the quirks of the model. If you try this on a 2002 Honda Civic, you’re likely to end up setting off alarms and locking the starter, meaning no one can drive it. If you have access to the owner’s manual, check to make sure the steering column and gear selector can be overridden. Serious damage to the shifting mechanism and steering column can result from this method.
Alternatively, on some much older models, you can break the locking pins in the ignition by hammering a flathead screwdriver into the keyhole and turning it over. It’s very difficult–if not impossible–to do this by hand, but if you think the model is sufficiently old to allow for it, you can give it a shot.
Wires leading to the column-mounted controls on one side, like lights, cruise control, and other indicators Wires leading to the column controls on the other side, like wipers or seat warmers Wires leading to the battery, ignition, and starter leading straight up the steering column
Sometimes the ignition wires are brown and the starter wires yellow, but the battery wires are most usually red. Again, the only way to be sure is to read the owner’s manual. You’re not MacGyver; messing with the wrong wires will get you electrocuted.
Once the engine starts, you can detach the starter wire and continue on your way. When you want to kill the engine, simply unfasten the battery wires from the ignition wires and the car will die. [4] X Research source
On some models, all you’ll need to do is pop off the metal keyhole which will release a spring and break the lock. If you already tried to jam your screwdriver in there earlier because you’ve got a mid-70s to mid-80s vehicle, the lock is probably already broken. Some models respond well to a healthy dose of elbow grease. 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 use for leverage. You should hear it break and the wheel will be free, so you’ll be able to drive normally.
Warning: this method will destroy your key switch and make it so that anyone with a screwdriver or a strong fingernail can steal your car.
The locking pin will not break or set off any alarms and you should be able to find the solenoid should be underneath.
Doing so will apply 12 volts directly from the battery. This should activate the solenoid, and the starter should crank the car.
