Car key replacement in Etobicoke regularly starts with a broken key: a blade that snapped off in the ignition on a cold morning, or a flip key that split at the hinge. A local technician usually extracts the broken piece without damaging the lock, cuts a new key from the code or from the broken halves, and programs the chip or remote to the car. You end up with a working key, not just the old piece back. The price is quoted from your make, model and year before anyone is sent.
What should you do right after it breaks?
Stop turning. Do not push the broken piece further in with another key or try to pull it out with pliers; that is how a simple extraction becomes a lock repair. Keep both halves, and note whether the ignition was off or on when it snapped.
Can the old chip be reused?
If the head with the chip is intact, sometimes. The technician either moves the chip into a new key or programs a new one, whichever is quicker and cheaper for your car.
What if the remote also stopped working?
A broken flip key often damages the board inside. If the buttons are dead even with a new battery, the technician programs a new remote head key in the same visit. If the board is fine, a new shell may be enough.
Keep these for the technician
- Both pieces of the broken key.
- Photo ID and the ownership.
- Make, model and year.
- Where it broke: door, trunk or ignition.
Etobicoke broken key questions
Will the ignition need replacing?
Rarely. In most cases the broken piece comes out and the lock works normally with the new key.
Can you copy a key from the broken halves?
Often the cuts can be read from the pieces. If not, the key is cut from the key code.
Can I drive with the broken piece still inside?
No. Leave the car where it is until the piece is out and a new key is made.
Is the extraction quoted separately?
We remove broken keys as part of making a replacement, and your quote covers both.
Key broke off?
Call (416) 555-0150 and keep both pieces.