Car Key Repair – Broken Car Key Fob or Remote?

If you have broken your car keys and need them repairing or even got your car keys stuck in the lock/ignition to your vehicle an auto locksmith approved by the MLA can help.  They will either repair the key or provide a replacement car key, if it’s a remote key fob the locksmith can programme a new key.

Remember an MLA approved auto locksmith can repair any kind of key for any vehicle (car, van, truck, motorcycles to caravan).

Common problems with broken car keys that can be repaired

• The car key is broken or damaged
• Transponder chip in car key is broken/damaged
• Repair car key fobs
• Car key has snapped
• The car key is worn out
• Car key is jammed in the ignition to your vehicle, will not turn or cannot be removed
• Car key has snapped off in the ignition
• Car Key is faulty intermittently
• Damaged buttons and dead batteries

Before and After of a Car Key Fob and buttons repaired

Snapped or damaged your car key?

If you have a broken key or have damaged your vehicle key then the locksmith to need to have the part in stock or order it in.

The chip will then be removed from the key and then reinserted into a newly cut key.

I have a worn out key

A auto locksmith will be able to re-cut the key back to original specification, and the immobiliser chip ( found in transponder keys ) can be reused in a new key.

Is your vehicle key stuck & won’t turn in the ignition?

If your car key is stuck or not turning in the ignition barrel an auto locksmith will be able to help.   They will be able to diagnose whether the problem is key related or ignition system related.

Key related

If key related then will be able to cut a new car key and reprogram the car key or if ignition related they may try to repair the ignition or failing that replace the ignition if there is nothing that can be done.

My car key has snapped in the ignition

A auto locksmith will be able to extract the part of the vehicle key left in the ignition and provide a replacement car key for you.

Types of vehicle keys that can be repaired

• Remote key fobs – most will need programming
• Transponder keys – most keys after 1995 are transponder keys with a chip inside
• Standard Car keys – that don’t control the central locking
• Keyless Entry Fobs
• Motorcycle / Motorbike / Motor Scooter and Moped keys
• Van keys
• Other vehicles – such as van/caravans/trucks even boats

Damaged or Broken Car Key

Should the vehicles transponder key or remote key fob be damaged or broken, you will require auto locksmith specialising in key programming, which is a more specialised area compared to standard car key cutting.

Remote Car Key Fob Repairs

If you have damaged or broke the remote key fob to your vehicle this could cause the many issues with a vehicle such as:

• Car door not opening
• Vehicle not starting

If you require a replacement or the fob repairing it will need reprogramming, locksmiths specialising in reprogramming key fobs will be able to help out in this case.

Car Key Repair Prices

The following are estimated car key repair prices an auto locksmith may charge from repairing a broken car key to replacing car key batteries and buttons, please note prices will vary from each locksmith.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Key?

The price to repair a car key if the key blade is snapped or worn will be from £20 for all types of car keys from remote key fobs to transponder car keys.

Car Key Button Cost

The price for car key fob buttons soldered onto the circuit board will cost from £20, the cost to replace just one button will be a lot cheaper from £5 per button.

Car Key Battery Replacement Cost

The cost of a replacement car key battery for a car key fob should cost from £4 fitted,  car key batteries are a very cheap item to replace.

Further Reading

• 5 Ways to Replace Your Car Keys – cheapest and fastest ways
• Lost Car Keys – what to do if you lose your car keys
• Motorcycle Security Advice & Tips – stop your motorbike being stolen