You’re heading to your car, press the remote… and nothing happens. The doors stay locked. It’s frustrating — but don’t worry, it happens more often than you think.
The most common reason? A dead battery inside your key fob.
But that’s exactly why your car has something called an emergency key – and knowing how to use it can save you time, stress, and money.
🔑 What Is the Emergency Key?
Most modern remotes include a hidden metal key blade inside. This emergency key allows you to manually unlock your car if the remote fails.
Here’s how:
Slide the emergency key out of the remote (check for a release button).
On your car door handle, look for a small cover near the lock – pop it off gently.
Insert the key and turn it to unlock the door.
Simple — but only if the key is already cut and ready.
⚠️ Important: Make Sure Your Emergency Key Is Cut
Many people don’t realize the emergency key inside the remote is blank when it comes from the dealership or manufacturer. That means it won’t open anything until it’s professionally cut to match your car.
This is where we come in.
🛠 Why This Happens
Dead battery in your remote
Broken or damaged key fob
Signal interference or electronic malfunction
No matter the cause, it always happens at the worst moment — which is why having a working emergency key is so important.
✔️ What You Should Do
✅ Make sure your emergency key is cut
✅ Test it before you actually need it
✅ Replace your remote battery every 1–2 years
✅ Keep a spare remote or emergency key in a safe place
📞 Stuck Outside? Call Public Locksmith
If your remote stops working and you don’t have a working emergency key, Public Locksmith is here to help. Our licensed locksmiths are trained to unlock any car, cut emergency keys, and get you back on the road quickly and professionally.
✅ Fast Response
✅ No Damage
✅ Affordable Rates
✅ Service You Can Trust