Automotive locksmith in Artesia and Cerritos

Car locksmith services

A mobile automotive locksmith carries key blanks, a key-cutting machine and programming tools, so most car key jobs are done in the parking spot.

• Car and truck lockouts, trunk openings
• Keys locked inside the car
• New car keys when all keys are lost
• Transponder chip key cutting and programming
• Key fob replacement
• Switchblade (flip) keys
• Ignition repair and replacement
• Broken key extraction from doors and ignitions
• Door lock changes

What to have ready

For a new key, have the year, make and model, and proof that the car is yours (registration or title plus ID). The locksmith will not cut a key for a vehicle without it. For a lockout, tell the dispatcher whether a child or pet is inside; in that case call 911 first.

Chip keys and fobs

Most cars since the late 1990s have a transponder chip in the key head. The car will crank but not start unless the chip is programmed to it. Key fobs add remote lock and unlock. Both can usually be cut and programmed on site; the price list shows starting prices for a new key and for programming.

Ignition trouble

A key that will not turn, turns without starting, or sticks in the cylinder points to worn wafers in the ignition. The locksmith can often repair the cylinder; if not, the ignition is replaced and keyed to your existing key where possible.