Key Repair
Key Repair
Modern automotive keys are a combination of mechanical parts and electronic components. When these keys fail due to physical damage or an internal malfunction, a full replacement from a dealership can be expensive. Our key repair services offer a practical alternative, focusing on fixing the mechanical key or replacing the electronics of your existing key. Whether you need a new laser cut key for a worn blade or replacement of a damaged circuit board, we provide the specialized tools to fix broken key issues on-site, ensuring your vehicle remains on the road and your security system stays functional. We can perform these issues on your schedule, or on an emergency basis.
Flip Key Repair
The switchblade-style mechanism of a modern flip key is a frequent point of mechanical failure. Over hundreds of cycles, the internal tension spring can snap, or the metal pivot point where the blade meets the fob can deform or enlarge. Our flip key repair service involves replacing these components while keeping your original electronics in-tact. If the blade itself is still functional but the housing is cracked, we perform a fob shell replacement. This process migrates your original, programmed transponder chip and circuit board into a high-quality, durable new casing. This not only provides a key fob fix that feels brand new but also saves you the significant expense of having to program a completely new transponder to your vehicle’s computer.
Remote Head Key Repair
Remote head key repair often addresses the non-responsive buttons that occur when the internal switches wear out or the rubber membrane degrades. If your remote stopped working, it may not require a full replacement. Often, the issue is as simple as a replacing a battery. However, if the plastic head of the key has snapped away from the metal blade—a common issue with many Japanese and domestic brands, we can either repair or replace the remote head key on site. By focusing on key fob repair, we ensure that your lock, unlock, and panic functions are restored without the need for a new remote head key.
Bent Key Repair
A bent key is a common frustration that usually happens in you’re in a hurry. Perhaps they key was being forced to turn in a worn or stuck lock cylinder. Or, it could have been sat on while in a pocket, or was used as a makeshift tool to pry open a package. Once that brass is compromised, the temptation is to try and bend it back into shape by hand. However, brass is relatively brittle; once it has been bent, attempting to straighten it often causes the key to snap eventually, potentially leaving half of the key stuck inside your lock.
If your key is bent but still intact, it is important to stop using it immediately to avoid damaging it or breaking it. In many cases, we can use the bent original to cut a new replacement. If the bend is too severe to be read by a standard duplicator, we can generate a brand-new key from by decoding the lock. We bring all the necessary equipment directly to your location, ensuring you have a perfectly functioning key.
Why Glue Is A Bad Idea
When a key breaks, many attempt a DIY fix with superglue or epoxy. However, we cannot emphasize enough why glue is a bad idea in automotive security. Epoxies can easily migrate into the delicate wafers and springs of your ignition or door lock cylinder if the key is used in a lock before it has fully cured. The heat generated by the curing of cyanoacrylate (CA )glue and many epoxies can also damage the sensitive electronics that can cause the car not to start. Furthermore, glue provides zero structural integrity for the torsional force required to turn a cylinder. If the key snapped in half and was glued back together, it is almost guaranteed to break again—this time inside the lock. Remote head key repair or shell replacement is the only safe way to ensure your vehicle remains functional and your locks remain undamaged.
What We’re Doing Around Baldwin County, AL
Flip Key Repair in Spanish Fort, AL. Ford Flip keys frequently fail. The plastic case, or shell, flexes a little with each use and can eventually tear or break. The brass "flip" part where the key blade inserts is another frequent point of failure. Over time it will fatigue and begin to bend and break. For a time, you can find other ways to start the truck. Until you can't. Don't let your needed key repair become an emergency. Give Locks By The Bay a call today. #spanishfort #automotive #keyrepair
Toyota Key Fob Repaired. Make no mistake, a broken key fob can leave you stranded. This particular customer had this one break some time ago, and was able to glue it back temporarily. This works, well, until it doesn't work. The glue almost always damages the transponder chip as it cures and inevitably will leave the owner stranded. Luckily, I was able to make the customer a new one at their home in Bay Minette on the spot. #bayminette #automotive #keyrepair #emergency
New Key Fob Cut in Lillian, AL. Rmote head keys aren't supposed to look like that. This customer could no longer reliably crank their Ford truck since the key was detached from the remote. We were able to quickly make a new one and get the customer rolling again. #lillian #keyrepair #automotive
FAQs
Here are answer to some of our most common questions:
I have a Toyota remote head key that broke in half. I was able to glue it back together, but now it isn't working. Why?
Commonly the glue that was used gives off heat when it cures. This frequently damages the transponder chip. It doesn't cause it not to start immediately, often in the near future. Also, rarely can you get these back apart to repair them, so replacement may be necessary.
My flip key to my ford Fusion broke, part is in my hand, the other part in the ignition. Can you help?
Due to their shape, the blades are typically very easy to remove and the key fob can be repaired or replaced.
I have a broken Honda remote head key. I bought a couple off of Amazon, can you program them?
Yes, we can. And, happy to do so. You may also consider repairing the old one, though. We can often use a casing that is far tougher when we do so. This means you have a longer lasting key fob and you are able to keep your original, OEM, one.
The buttons on my GM flip key are gone. Can you repair it?
Yes. But, these are often ones more suitable to replacement. When those buttons go missing, moisture quickly gets in, or pens are used to press the buttons, resulting in almost certain damage. Brand new, OEM versions are relatively inexpensive replacements and often a better solution.