One Key at a Time: Solving Lock & Remote Issues Around Buffalo

Every week brings something different in this line of work—and that’s exactly why I love it. Whether it’s a lockout, a worn key, or a broken remote, I’m out here solving problems and helping people get back on the road with as little stress as possible. Here are a few recent jobs that show what I do and how I do it.

Lockout & Lock Repair: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

I got called out to a lockout on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. When I arrived, the driver’s door handle was completely missing, and the lock cylinder was broken. I got the car open and got the customer going, but I also let her know I could replace both the handle and the lock for a great price. She agreed, and a few days later I returned with the parts.

I installed the new components and rekeyed the lock cylinder to match her original key. That way, she still only needed one key for both the door and the ignition. I also set her up with a remote fob to lock and unlock the doors with ease. One key, one fob—fully functional and hassle-free.

2011 Hyundai Elantra remote. The hawks among you will also notice the new handle in the background

Broken Key Solution: 2009 Mitsubishi Galant

A couple reached out with a broken key for their 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. I'm sure they got quotes all over the place, but I told them they could save a lot of money if they just brought me the pieces.

They did, and I was able to transplant the transponder chip from their broken key into a new key I cut to match. Since the chip was still good, there was no need to program anything. The key worked like a charm, and they left happy—especially knowing they’d saved a decent chunk of change.

Broken key and new key

2009 Mitsubishi Galant new key

Fresh Cut Keys for a Worn-Out Saturn: 2002 Saturn LS

A customer came by for a remote for her 2002 Saturn LS, but she also mentioned that her key was giving her trouble. Sure enough, the key was extremely worn—something I see a lot with older Saturns.

I decoded the key and cut her a fresh pair based on the original factory specifications. The difference was immediate: the new keys worked smooth as butter. I also programmed her new remote, so she left with everything working better than it had in years.

2002 Saturn LS - key and remote

Notive how worn the old key is compared to how it should be

Quick Fix, Big Relief: 2010 Toyota RAV4

I got a call from a customer stuck with a broken remote head key for their 2010 Toyota RAV4. I came out to help and saw that the internal electronics were still good—it was just the outer shell that had fallen apart.

Instead of replacing the whole key, I reshelled it. That means I transferred the existing chip and remote board into a new case with a fresh key blade. Everything worked perfectly afterward—no programming needed, no downtime. Just a solid fix and a happy customer.

Broken empty shell, new filled shell. Success!

Wrap-Up

Every situation is a little different, but my goal is always the same: find the best solution, save people money when I can, and get them back to living their lives without key or lock issues slowing them down.

If you’re in the Buffalo area and need help with a lockout, key replacement, remote programming, or something more unusual—don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m mobile, I’m local, and I actually enjoy this stuff.