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Looking for car key repairs?
- Remote key
- Flip keys
- Mechanical keys
- Smart keys
- … or anything else
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Why book a car key repair service through Airtasker?
Finding a reliable car key repair service can be tricky. While you could go to a dealership, a regular locksmith shop, or try to reprogram a transponder key by yourself, you’re much better off asking a specialist for help. When you request a car key repair expert through Airtasker, you get a rated and reviewed expert who’s right within your neighbourhood.
They can head to your location right away, so you don’t need to wait around all day with a wonky car key. Is it your first time booking a Tasker? First, select the “Post a task” button on this page, then fill out the task post. Make sure you include your car’s make, model, and year, as well as the issue with the car key. Indicate your location and budget, then tap “Get quotes.”
Within minutes, you’ll see offers from nearby car key repair experts. Take a moment to compare their quotes and check out their customer reviews. Once you find a Tasker you like, tap to confirm your appointment. Get your car key problems sorted out today!
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Top Car Key Repair related questions
Usually, yes. Car keys with broken fobs, dead batteries and even keys that have snapped in two can typically be repaired by a car key specialist near you. Solutions may vary from simply replacing dead batteries, retrieving a key from the ignition to rekeying your car doors or ignition. To find out what your broken car key will need, contact a repair specialist through our platform.
Yes, if your car key has an issue, you may not be able to start it. For example, if the transponder chip is damaged, your vehicle won’t be able to read it, and you won’t be able to start your car. The wear and tear on your key can also damage your ignition.
You can get a replacement key even without the original if you have your vehicle information number (VIN) and proof of ownership. A car key repair specialist may be able to help with replacing the broken car key as well. Otherwise, they may recommend another local auto locksmith - or you can simply book a car key replacement expert through Airtasker.
Yes, you may be able to start your car even with a dead key fob. To do this, insert the dead fob as a key, then push the “Start” button. You can also try checking if your car key has a backup mechanism in the key fob. If you’re already running late for an appointment and can’t attend to your car key just yet, you can use Airtasker to find a nearby driver.
Many issues could cause your car key to malfunction. These include dead batteries, broken transponder chips, a damaged fob or fob buttons, or even a damaged ignition. If you can’t figure out the exact problem with your car key, you can request a car key repair specialist through our platform. If it’s your motorcycle key that has a problem, you can also try consulting a motorcycle repair specialist near you.
Non-responding or malfunctioning transponder keys are usually the telltale sign of keys that need to be reprogrammed. This can be caused by water damage, daily wear and tear, or a broken key fob. Reprogramming usually takes around 30 minutes and can be done by a specialist or the owner (you!). If you want this done quickly and without any hassle, we suggest booking a car key repair specialist through our platform.
What do car key repair services include?
Car key repairs cover various kinds of problems with car keys, including broken transponder chips, damaged fobs, snapped keys, or keys that are jammed in the ignition. The repair process is, of course, specific to the type of damage and the Tasker you hire. And while car key repair experts can usually handle various problems, it’s best to specify the issue in your task post.
In general, here are a few of the issues you can expect a local car key repair specialist to deal with:
Broken car key fob
If a transponder-type car key or remote key fob is broken, the Tasker will usually program a new key for you and change the actual fob or housing. If the fob broke down due to general wear and tear, it might be good to use a key fob cover, pouch, or some other form of protection.
Buttons stop working or faulty operation
Non-functioning keys are usually one of the easiest problems to fix. Your Tasker may simply open up the fob for cases like this and put in a new key battery. If this doesn’t work, the remote key may need to be repaired and reprogrammed, or the car battery is low.
If the key works on your car door but not your engine, it may be a problem with your ignition cylinder. Car key repair specialists and your local mobile mechanic are typically equipped to handle situations like these.
Snapped car key
If your car key has snapped, don’t try to repair it yourself - this can result in even more significant, more expensive problems such as having to rekey your ignition. Instead, contact your local car key repair specialist. When they arrive, they’ll usually clamp the broken parts together and duplicate the car key.
They’ll test this on the car doors and ignition, and if it all works perfectly, you’ll get a brand-new key. Otherwise, they may have to rekey the locks or the ignition. Rekeying means the specialist will change a “key” aspect of the lock so that the old keys no longer work - but without having to replace the entire mechanism.
Key is jammed in the ignition
If your key is stuck in the ignition, the Tasker may try to retrieve it by jiggling it, moving the steering wheel, or using the gear selector. Usually, these tricks can remove a stubborn key. If these don’t work, they may resort to repairing the ignition - or they may have you contact a mechanic to safely take apart the ignition.
Broken transponder chip
If your transponder chip is damaged, the car key repair specialist will open the fob, replace the transponder chip with a new one, then program it to work in sync with your vehicle. Since the transponder chip is specific to your vehicle’s make, model, and year, you must give them the vehicle information before they head to your location with the new transponder chip.