Broken key shells
Replace supported damaged or cracked key housings while retaining compatible internal components.
CAR KEY REPAIR
Car Key & Remote Repair
Diagnosis and repair options for supported car keys and remotes, including damaged cases, buttons and selected electronic faults.
A faulty car key does not always need complete replacement. If the blade, case, buttons or remote functions are damaged, Locksmith.lk can inspect the key and advise whether repair, re-shelling, battery replacement, reprogramming or full replacement is the sensible option.
Remote button problems
Inspect worn or non-responsive remote buttons and supported switch faults.
Key battery issues
Check and replace supported car-key batteries where appropriate.
Damaged key blades
Assess broken or badly worn blades and replacement options.
Remote function faults
Diagnose whether the problem is the key, battery, programming or another vehicle-side issue.
Replacement when needed
If repair is not practical, we can advise on compatible replacement and programming options.
SERVICE GUIDE
Repair the Fault, Not Automatically the Whole Key
Car keys combine mechanical and electronic parts. A cracked case, broken button, damaged blade, weak battery and programming problem can create similar symptoms but require very different repairs. Our first step is to separate a physical key fault from a programming or vehicle-side problem.
Where the original electronics and transponder are still usable, a supported key may be repairable by replacing the shell, blade, battery or selected components. If the board is badly damaged or the key is incompatible, replacement and programming can be the safer option.
Physical Key Damage
Cracked housings, detached blades, worn buttons and damaged emergency blades are common physical faults. We inspect the key before moving reusable components because transponders and boards can be small, fragile and essential to starting the vehicle.
Remote or Electronic Problems
If the remote stops locking the doors, the cause may be a battery, button, board fault, loss of synchronization or another vehicle issue. Testing the likely cause avoids replacing a key unnecessarily.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple, Clear Service Process
Show us the key
Bring the key to the shop or send clear photos of both sides and the vehicle details.
Diagnose the fault
We check the physical condition and supported electronic functions.
Agree on repair
You receive the recommended repair or replacement option before work starts.
Repair and test
The repaired key or remote is tested for the functions available to check.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common Car Key Repair Situations
A key shell can wear out long before the electronics. For supported designs, transferring the working electronics into a suitable replacement housing can restore normal use.
A vehicle that does not recognize the key may have a transponder or smart-key issue rather than a mechanical blade problem. Programming or diagnosis may be required instead of a shell repair.
If a blade is badly worn or broken, a replacement blade may need to be cut. We check whether the existing key can provide a reliable reference and whether the vehicle needs to be present.
CAR KEY & REMOTE REPAIR GUIDE
Repairing a Car Key Before Replacing It
A damaged car key does not always require a complete replacement. The correct repair depends on whether the fault is mechanical, electronic, cosmetic or related to the vehicle rather than the key.
Common Car Key Faults
Worn buttons, cracked cases, loose blades, damaged battery contacts and water-damaged remotes are different faults and should not be treated as one generic “key not working” problem.
Tell us exactly what still works: engine start, lock/unlock buttons, proximity detection and the emergency blade can fail independently.
Shell or Case Replacement
If the electronics and transponder still work but the housing is broken, a suitable replacement shell may be more economical than replacing the entire key. Compatibility and safe transfer of the electronics are important.
A tiny transponder chip can be separate from the remote board on some designs. Losing or damaging it during a DIY shell swap can stop the vehicle from starting.
Remote Buttons and Electronics
A fresh battery does not repair damaged switches, corrosion, cracked solder joints or a failed circuit board. We first distinguish a simple battery or case issue from a board-level or compatibility problem.
If repair is not practical, replacement and programming may be the better route. We explain that before replacing parts unnecessarily.
Blade and Mechanical Damage
A worn, bent or broken blade can require cutting or replacement even when the electronic portion still works. Continuing to force a damaged blade can also harm the ignition or door lock.
Where a new blade is required, cutting and electronic repair/programming are treated as separate steps and tested accordingly.
Programming Is Not a Universal Repair
Reprogramming cannot fix every faulty key. If the board is physically damaged or the replacement remote is incompatible, repeating a programming procedure will not solve the underlying problem.
Likewise, a vehicle-side receiver, antenna, ignition or immobilizer fault can imitate a bad key. Diagnosis matters before spending on replacement.
What to Send Us
WhatsApp the vehicle make, model, year and clear photos of both sides of the key. Describe whether the vehicle starts and which remote functions work. This helps us decide whether shop inspection, repair, cutting or programming is appropriate.
For intermittent faults, mention when the problem occurs and whether a spare key behaves normally.
Repair or Replacement?
We consider the condition of the shell, blade, electronics, transponder and availability of compatible parts. Repair makes sense when it restores a reliable key; replacement makes more sense when damage is extensive or parts are not dependable.
The goal is not to repair at any cost, but to leave you with a key that can be tested and used reliably.
Continue with your vehicle or location
Use the vehicle and service-area pages to narrow the enquiry, or browse completed jobs as real Locksmith.lk examples are added.
SHOP + MOBILE
Bring the Key to the Shop
Car-key repair is usually easiest to assess at the shop, where the key can be inspected closely. If the vehicle is immobilized or all keys are lost, contact us first because a mobile locksmith service may be more appropriate.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Car Key & Remote Repair FAQs
Can a car remote be repaired instead of replaced?+
Sometimes. Cases, buttons, batteries and selected faults may be repairable. Severe board damage or incompatible parts can require replacement.
Can you replace only the key shell?+
For many supported keys, yes, provided the internal electronics and transponder are still usable.
My remote works but the car will not start. Is that a battery issue?+
Not necessarily. Starting authorization may use a separate transponder or smart-key system. The key and vehicle need to be diagnosed.
Can you repair a broken car key blade?+
Depending on the key, a replacement blade or complete replacement key may be the better solution.
LOCAL + VEHICLE SUPPORT
Explore Locksmith.lk by Vehicle or Area
Car Key or Remote Not Working?Call 070 625 0000 or WhatsApp photos of the key or remote and describe which functions still work.