Car keys · Altadena
Automotive Locksmith in Altadena, CA
Keys locked inside, a fob that quit, or an ignition that will not turn? Call 626-537-2128 and a mobile automotive locksmith contractor can come to where the vehicle is parked.
- Lines open every day
- Published price list
- Major cards accepted
Car problems people call about
- Keys locked in the car
- Lost the only key
- Key fob stopped working
- Key broke in the door or ignition
- Ignition won't turn
- Need a spare transponder key
- Trunk won't open
- Motorcycle or scooter key
Car key and lock services
Getting in
- Car, truck and SUV lockouts
- Trunk lockouts
- Broken key extraction
Keys
- New vehicle keys for cars, scooters, trucks and motorcycles
- Transponder (chip) key programming
- Key fob replacement and programming
Ignition
- Ignition repair
- Ignition change for any vehicle
Transponder keys, fobs and chip keys
Most cars built since the late 1990s use a transponder: a small chip in the key head that the car must recognize before it will start. Cutting the blade is not enough. The new key has to be programmed to the vehicle. Fobs and push-to-start keys add buttons and a battery, but the principle is the same.
Before you call, find the year, make and model. The VIN helps too; it is printed at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. With those, the dispatcher can tell you whether the key can usually be made on site and give a starting price.
Ignition trouble
A key that will not turn is not always the ignition's fault. Worn keys, a locked steering wheel and debris all cause it. Try gently turning the wheel while you turn the key. If nothing changes, an automotive locksmith can diagnose the cylinder and repair or replace it.
Where calls come from
Cars get locked in at home, of course. They also get locked in at the Eaton Canyon trailhead lots, in the parking along Lake Avenue, outside the library on Mariposa Street. Give the dispatcher the nearest cross street and say which way the car is facing. It saves time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a new key be made if I lost all of them?
Often yes, for many makes, by cutting from the vehicle's code and programming a new transponder. Some vehicles need dealer-only steps; the dispatcher can tell you which on the call.
Will opening my car damage it?
Locksmiths use tools made for vehicle entry rather than coat hangers or forcing the door, which can harm wiring and airbags inside the door panel.
What do I need to show?
Your ID and proof of ownership, such as the registration. That is standard before any car key work.
Service area
Lock and key help across Altadena. Choose a ZIP code for local details.