A Common Mitsubishi Key Problem We See Again and Again in Melbourne
If you own an older Mitsubishi, you may have already experienced a problem with the key shell breaking, the key blade becoming loose or the plastic around the key starting to crack.
At SMS53 Locksmith, this is something we have seen many times with Mitsubishi vehicles. Some Mitsubishi key designs, particularly older flip-style and remote keys, can develop cracks and become weak around the plastic housing and the section where the metal blade connects to the key.
The problem might start with something small. The key ring breaks, the plastic cracks, or the blade starts moving around more than it should. Many people continue using the key because the car still starts.
Eventually, the shell can break completely.
And that’s where things can become much more frustrating.
What Happens When a Mitsubishi Key Shell Breaks?
A Mitsubishi remote key isn’t just a piece of plastic with a metal blade inside.
Inside the key housing are electronic components, including the remote circuit board and, depending on the vehicle, a small transponder chip used by the immobiliser. The transponder is what allows the vehicle to recognise the key and start the engine.
When the key shell breaks apart, these internal parts can come loose.
The transponder chip can be particularly easy to lose because it is a small component inside the key housing. If the chip falls out and gets lost, the remote may still look like a key, but the vehicle may no longer start.
This is a problem we have come across with Mitsubishi customers.
The Customer Thinks They Only Have a Broken Key
One of the most common situations is a customer calling us and saying:
“My Mitsubishi key has broken, but I still have all the pieces.”
Sometimes that’s an easy repair.
We can inspect the key, check the electronics and, where appropriate, move the working components into a new shell.
But another situation is more difficult.
The customer may have found the broken shell but cannot find the tiny transponder chip.
Without the correct transponder, the vehicle may not recognise the key and the engine may not start. Simply cutting another metal blade does not solve the immobiliser problem.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Mitsubishi Key
If you notice that your Mitsubishi key is starting to crack, don’t wait until the key completely falls apart.
Look closely at the area around the key blade and the plastic housing.
Signs that your key may need attention include:
- Cracks in the key shell
- Loose or wobbly key blade
- Broken key ring section
- Buttons falling out
- Key blade separating from the housing
- Shell held together with tape
- Remote buttons becoming difficult to press
- Parts of the key housing missing
These may seem like minor problems, but continuing to use a damaged key can eventually leave you with a key that no longer works properly.
Other locksmiths and Mitsubishi key suppliers also report broken shells, snapped blades and lost transponder chips as common Mitsubishi key problems.
The Good News: You May Not Need a Completely New Key
This is one of the most important things Mitsubishi owners should know.
A broken Mitsubishi key does not always mean you need to purchase a completely new programmed key.
If the electronic components are still working, it may be possible to replace the damaged shell, transfer the existing electronics and cut a new key blade.
This can be a much more practical option than replacing everything.
At SMS53 Locksmith, we have repaired many Mitsubishi keys this way.
We can replace the damaged shell, cut a new blade and, when required, supply and program a new transponder.
How We Repair a Broken Mitsubishi Key
Every key is different, so we first inspect what is left of the original key.
If the remote circuit board and transponder are still usable, we can often transfer the components into a new shell.
The new key shell gives the electronics and transponder a proper housing again, while the new blade is cut to match the vehicle.
If the original transponder has been lost or damaged, a replacement transponder may be required and programmed to the vehicle’s immobiliser.
The key is then tested to make sure the vehicle can lock, unlock and start correctly.
This type of repair and shell replacement is a recognised way of dealing with damaged Mitsubishi keys.
What If You Have Already Lost the Transponder Chip?
This is where many customers become worried.
If the key has broken and the small transponder chip has disappeared, don’t assume the car needs a new immobiliser or expensive dealership repair.
Depending on the Mitsubishi model and key system, an automotive locksmith will be able to supply and program a replacement transponder.
The exact solution depends on the vehicle, year and key system.
This is why we always recommend having the car and key inspected before buying random replacement parts online.
Why the Metal Blade Is Also Important
The plastic shell isn’t the only part that can cause problems.
On some Mitsubishi keys, the blade is integrated into the key shell. When the plastic around the blade becomes weak or breaks, the blade can become loose or separate from the rest of the key. Replacement shells for several Mitsubishi models are specifically designed to address this type of damage.
A replacement shell may therefore require a new blade to be cut rather than simply transferring the old blade.
This is where having an experienced automotive locksmith can save you from buying the wrong parts.
Don’t Wait Until You Lose Your Only Working Key
If your Mitsubishi key is already damaged, this is the best time to do something about it.
Once the key completely breaks and the transponder is lost, the job can become more complicated.
If you still have a working key, you have more options.
You may be able to repair the existing key, replace the shell or make a spare Mitsubishi car key before the damaged key becomes unusable.
Having a spare is especially useful if you rely on your Mitsubishi every day for work, family or commuting.
What About a Completely Lost Mitsubishi Key?
If your Mitsubishi key has already been lost, a broken shell repair obviously isn’t going to help.
In this situation, a lost car key replacement may be required.
Depending on the Mitsubishi model, we can supply the appropriate key, cut the blade and program the required transponder or remote system.
If you’re searching for an automotive locksmith near me or a mobile automotive locksmith near me because you have lost your Mitsubishi key, a mobile locksmith can be a convenient option because the replacement can often be completed at your location.
Mitsubishi Key Problems We Can Help With
At SMS53 Locksmith, we regularly deal with different Mitsubishi key problems, including:
- Broken Mitsubishi key shells
- Cracked remote housings
- Loose key blades
- Broken key blades
- Lost transponder chips
- Damaged remote keys
- Lost Mitsubishi car keys
- Mitsubishi spare keys
- Remote key replacement
- Transponder key programming
- Key shell replacement
- New key cutting and programming
Our mobile automotive locksmiths can come to your location across Melbourne, depending on the vehicle and key system.
Why We Recommend Fixing a Damaged Key Early
In our opinion, the biggest mistake is waiting until the key completely falls apart.
If the shell is cracked but the electronics and transponder are still inside, the repair can potentially be much simpler.
Once the key breaks and the transponder disappears, you may need an entirely different solution.
So if you drive a Mitsubishi and your key is already showing signs of damage, get it checked before it becomes a situation where the car won’t start.
Need a Mitsubishi Key Repaired or Replaced in Melbourne?
SMS53 Locksmith provides mobile auto locksmith and mobile automotive locksmith services across Melbourne.
If your Mitsubishi key shell has broken, your blade has snapped or you’ve lost the transponder chip, contact us with your Mitsubishi model and year.
We can inspect the key and let you know whether it can be repaired with a new shell, new blade or transponder, or whether a complete replacement key is required.
We also help customers looking for car remote key replacement near me, automotive car locksmith near me and automotive locksmith Melbourne services.
Whether you need a broken car key repair, spare car key or lost car key replacement, we can check the options available for your Mitsubishi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a broken Mitsubishi key shell be repaired?
In many cases, yes. If the electronic components and transponder are still usable, the damaged shell can potentially be replaced and the existing components transferred into the new housing.
Will my Mitsubishi start if the transponder chip is missing?
Usually, the vehicle needs to recognise the correct transponder before the immobiliser will allow the engine to start. If the chip has been lost, a replacement transponder may need to be programmed to the vehicle.
Can you replace just the Mitsubishi key shell?
For some Mitsubishi key types, yes. If the internal remote and transponder are still working, replacing only the shell can be a more affordable solution than replacing the complete key.
What if my Mitsubishi key blade has broken?
Depending on the key design, a new blade may be cut and fitted as part of the repair. Some Mitsubishi shells have the blade integrated into the housing, so a replacement shell and newly cut blade may be required.
Can you make a spare Mitsubishi key?
Yes, depending on the model and key system. If you still have a working key, making a spare before your current key breaks or gets lost can save you a lot of stress later.
Do I need to go to a Mitsubishi dealer for a replacement key?
Not necessarily. An automotive locksmith may be able to cut and program a replacement Mitsubishi key at your location, depending on the vehicle and key system.
Can a mobile automotive locksmith come to me?
Yes. SMS53 Locksmith operates as a mobile automotive locksmith service across Melbourne, so in many cases we can come to your home, workplace or another suitable location to inspect and repair or replace the key.
What Mitsubishi models can have these key problems?
The exact key design varies by model and year. Mitsubishi vehicles such as the Triton, Pajero, Outlander, ASX and Lancer have used different key systems over the years, including traditional transponder keys, flip-style remote keys and smart key systems.
Final Thought
Mitsubishi keys may seem simple, but the small components inside them are important.
If the shell is cracked or the blade is becoming loose, don’t wait until the key breaks completely. You could end up losing the transponder and discovering that your car won’t start.
We have repaired many Mitsubishi keys by replacing the shell, cutting a new blade and, when necessary, supplying and programming a new transponder.
If your Mitsubishi key is starting to fall apart, it’s better to fix it before it leaves you stuck.
