Hot-wiring
- This article is about starting cars without a key. For the filesharing protocol, see Hotwire (protocol).
Hotwiring is the process of bypassing an automobile ignition interlock and thus starting it without the key.
On older cars, hotwiring involves locating a pair of wires under the dashboard and coming out of the ignition switch, and then simply crossing them. However, on any moderately new car this will not work. Methods employed to thwart these attempts include 'coded' keys that send a pulse to the starter motor, and the increased use of advanced electronics.
Hotwiring cars is illegal in most jurisdictions, especially if the car does not belong to the person performing it.