5 Ways to Fix a Frozen Car Door Lock
A frozen car lock on a cold trip? Five safe ways to thaw a car door lock without damaging it, what to avoid, and when it's time to call a car locksmith.
Automotive Locksmith in Anaheim, CA
Keys locked in the car, a lost fob or an ignition that won't turn can stop your day in its tracks. Call 714-660-0112 and a mobile car locksmith will come to your vehicle in Anaheim.
- Open all day, 7 days
- Price confirmed before work
- All major cards
- Mobile, on-site service
What we can help with
Lockouts
- Car door unlocking
- Trunk opening
- Keys locked inside the vehicle
- Lockouts for trucks, vans and SUVs
Keys and fobs
- Transponder and chip keys
- Switchblade and flip keys
- Key fob replacement
- Duplicate and spare keys
Repairs
- Ignition repair and replacement
- Broken key extraction
- Car door lock repair
- Lock changes after theft
How car keys have changed
Most cars built in the last few decades use a transponder key: a small chip in the key head talks to the car, and the engine will not start unless the code matches. That means a replacement key has to be both cut and programmed. A mobile locksmith with the right equipment can do both for many makes and models at your location, which often saves a tow to the dealership. Some vehicles, especially certain newer or luxury models, may still require dealer equipment; the dispatcher will tell you if that is likely.
Key fob replacement
If your remote fob is lost, damaged or no longer responds even with a new battery, a replacement fob can be supplied and paired with the car. Bring the registration and your ID so the technician can verify ownership.
Ignition problems
An ignition that is hard to turn, a key that won't come out, or a cylinder that spins freely are all signs of a worn or damaged ignition. A failing ignition can leave you stranded, so it's worth having it checked early. The technician can repair or replace the ignition cylinder and match it to your keys.
When a key breaks
Keys weaken over time and can snap in a door lock or ignition. Don't try to dig the piece out with a pin or knife, which can push it deeper or damage the wafers. A locksmith uses extraction tools to remove the broken piece and can cut a new key from it.
Locked out of your car
Tell the dispatcher where you are, the make, model and year, and whether anyone or any pet is inside. If a child or animal is locked in a hot car, call 911 first. For a standard lockout, the technician will check ID and registration and then open the car using tools designed to avoid damage.
Starting prices
Every visit includes the $29 service call fee. Prices below are starting points; the final price depends on the lock and is confirmed before work begins.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Service Call Fee - Trip Charge | $29.00 (fixed) |
| All Lockout Service: Commercial, Residential & Automotive | starting at $19.00* |
| New Vehicle Key: Car, Scooter, Truck, Motorcycle, ETC | starting at $100.00* |
| Ignition Change For Any Vehicle | starting at $100.00* |
| Program Transponder Key (Key with a chip) | starting at $100.00* |
| Key Extraction: Automotive | starting at $100.00* |
See the full price list and warranty terms
Areas served
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a car key if I've lost all my keys?
For many vehicles, yes. The technician needs proof of ownership and the vehicle's details. New vehicle keys start at $100.00 plus the service call fee.
Do you program key fobs?
Yes, for many makes and models. Tell the dispatcher the year, make and model when you call.
Will opening my car damage it?
Car lockouts are handled with tools designed to open the door without damage. The technician explains the approach before starting.
Do you work on motorcycles and scooters?
The price list includes new keys for cars, scooters, trucks and motorcycles. Call with your vehicle details.
Related articles
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6 Tips to Avoid Car Locksmith Scams
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Need a locksmith in Anaheim?
Tell the dispatcher what happened and where you are. You'll get an estimate on the phone and a confirmed price before work starts.