Car Ignition Repair & Replacement
Key won't turn, sticking in the ignition or snapped inside it? We diagnose the fault at your vehicle, repair the existing ignition where we can, and replace it only when it's genuinely needed.
- 6 years' experience
- Ignition repair, replacement and key extraction
- Fully mobile — we come to the vehicle
- Cars and vans covered
- AVG Same Day Service
- DBS Checked
- 5★ Reviews
Not A National Company
A local business, not a call centre.
Real Local Professionals
Locals, not technicians sent by a middle-man company.
No Inflated Pricing
National companies often mark prices up 2–3x. We don't.
Deal Direct With The Technician
No wondering who or when. It's always us.
Car Ignition Problems Diagnosed, Repaired & Replaced
We repair and replace car ignition locks and barrels at your vehicle, but we always diagnose first.
Many ignition problems can be fixed by repairing the existing barrel or dealing with a worn key, so replacement isn't the automatic answer.
Key Won't Turn, Sticking Or Stuck In The Ignition?
If your key won't turn, feels stiff, jams or won't come out, the cause could be the key, the ignition barrel, the steering lock or another part of the starting system. You don't need to work out which; that's our job.
Before calling, try gently moving the steering wheel from side to side while turning the key, as a locked steering column is a common cause. On automatics, check the gear selector is fully in Park. If neither helps, don't force it.
Is The Problem With The Car Key Or The Ignition Barrel?
It can be either, or both. A worn key and a worn barrel wear each other over time, and a problem that looks like the ignition is sometimes a key that has lost its shape.
Testing the key, a spare key if you have one, and the barrel tells us which part has failed.
How Do We Diagnose & Fix Car Ignition Problems?
We check the key, the ignition barrel and the vehicle's security system separately, because several different failures can feel like an “ignition problem”. Only then do we recommend repair, replacement, a new key or a different fix.
The chain runs: mechanical key → ignition lock and barrel → transponder → immobiliser → start authorisation. A key that won't physically turn is a mechanical fault. A key that turns normally but won't start the engine is usually an electronic one.
Checking The Car Key, Blade & Ignition For Wear
We inspect the key blade for wear, bending or damage and compare it with a spare if you have one.
A worn key is one of the most common causes of stiff ignitions.
Inspecting The Ignition Barrel & Internal Lock Components
We assess how the barrel responds to the key and, where needed, remove it to inspect the wafers, springs and housing for wear, damage or debris.
This tells us whether a repair will last.
Separating Ignition Faults From Immobiliser & Key Programming Problems
If the key turns fully but the engine won't start, the fault is usually not the barrel. It may be the transponder, the immobiliser, the antenna ring around the barrel, or an electrical fault.
A flashing immobiliser light points to a key recognition problem, which is covered on our Car Key Programming page. Some faults, such as the electrical ignition switch behind the barrel, the starter motor or the battery, are outside the lock itself, and we'll tell you honestly if that's the case.
Repairing Or Replacing The Ignition & Testing The Vehicle
Once repaired or replaced, we test that the key enters, turns and returns smoothly, that it releases when it should, and that the engine starts.
If new keys are supplied with a replacement barrel, we program them to the immobiliser and test them fully before we leave.
Common Car Ignition Problems We Can Help With
Sticking barrels, jammed keys, snapped blades and worn locks each point to a different fix — and each one is diagnosed before any parts are touched.
Ignition Barrel Sticking Or Refusing To Turn
A barrel that sticks or won't turn usually has worn or jammed internal components, a worn key, or dirt and debris inside the lock.
Many of these can be repaired.
Car Key Stuck Or Difficult To Remove
A key that won't come out can be caused by worn internal parts, a damaged key, the steering lock, or, on automatics, the gear selector not being fully in Park.
We free the key without damaging the barrel.
Broken Or Snapped Key Inside The Ignition
If a key snaps in the ignition, leave the broken piece in place and keep the other half.
We extract it with specialist tools and then check whether the barrel contributed to the break. See Broken Car Keys for more.
Worn Or Damaged Ignition Lock & Barrel
Years of use, heavy key rings and attempted thefts can wear or damage the barrel until it binds, feels loose or stops working.
Depending on the damage, it may be repairable or need replacing.
Ignition playing up? Call 023 8218 2738 or text your registration and symptoms.
Can A Worn Car Ignition Be Repaired?
Yes, often. A worn, sticking or jammed ignition barrel can frequently be repaired by stripping it down, replacing worn internal parts and rebuilding it to work with your key.
It's usually quicker and less expensive than a full replacement.
Repairing Worn, Sticking & Jammed Ignition Barrels
We remove the barrel, inspect the wafers, springs and housing, replace or recode worn components, and reassemble it to operate smoothly with your key.
Because the barrel is rebuilt around your existing key, you normally keep the same keys and there's no need for key programming.
When The Key Is The Problem Rather Than The Ignition
Sometimes the ignition is fine and the key is worn. If the cuts on the blade have rounded off, the barrel's wafers can't align properly, which feels like an ignition fault.
In that case, a new key cut to factory specification can solve the problem. If your spare key turns smoothly and the original doesn't, the key is almost certainly the cause.
When Does A Car Ignition Need Replacing?
An ignition needs replacing when the barrel or housing is too badly worn, broken or damaged to be rebuilt reliably, such as after attempted theft, severe wear or internal breakage.
Signs An Ignition Lock Or Barrel May Be Beyond Repair
Signs include a barrel that spins freely, a cracked or broken housing, damage from a forced theft attempt, or wear so severe that new internal parts won't restore smooth operation.
We'll show you what we've found and explain why replacement is the better option before doing anything.
Can A Replacement Ignition Work With Your Existing Car Key?
Often, yes. On many vehicles, a replacement barrel can be coded to match your existing key, so you don't need new keys.
On others, the replacement comes with new keys that must be programmed to the immobiliser. The options depend on the vehicle and its lock and key system.
Ignition Repair For Which Vehicles?
BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Volvo, Ford, Volkswagen, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, Renault, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai and Kia.
Mechanical Ignition Locks, Barrels & Key Systems
Most conventional ignitions use a lock barrel with internal wafers or tumblers that align when the correct key is inserted, allowing it to turn.
We work on ignition barrels for most cars and vans, including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Peugeot and Toyota, along with premium makes such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Modern Immobilisers & Electronic Vehicle Security Systems
Many vehicles combine the mechanical ignition with an immobiliser, and some use electronic ignition switches instead of a traditional barrel.
Older Mercedes-Benz models, for example, use an electronic ignition switch (EIS) that can develop its own faults. Push-button start cars have no barrel at all. Understanding how the mechanical and electronic sides connect is essential to diagnosing the fault correctly.
Get a free quote in two quick steps
Send your details and we'll call you back with a price. For anything urgent, just call.
- Price explained before any work
- No upfront payment
- Deal direct with the technician
Ignition Repair vs Replacement — Which Do You Need?
Repair suits minor wear, sticking and most broken key extractions. Replacement suits severe damage or repeated failure. Diagnosis decides which.
| Ignition Problem | Repair | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Minor internal wear | Often possible | Usually unnecessary |
| Ignition sticking | Often possible | If badly worn or damaged |
| Worn key | Key may need attention | Ignition may be fine |
| Broken key extraction | Often possible | If lock is damaged |
| Severe barrel damage | May be limited | Often appropriate |
| Repeated lock failure | Depends on diagnosis | May be appropriate |
| Immobiliser problem | Different fault | Not necessarily required |
| Major mechanical failure | Depends on damage | May be required |
When Repairing The Existing Ignition Makes Sense
If the barrel is worn but structurally sound, a repair restores smooth operation and keeps your existing keys.
When Replacing The Ignition Is The Better Option
If the barrel or housing is broken, heavily damaged or has failed repeatedly, replacement gives a more reliable long-term result.
Ignition Repair Cost
The cost of ignition repair or replacement depends on your vehicle, the actual fault and whether the existing barrel can be repaired or needs replacing. A repair is usually less expensive than a replacement, and a replacement needing new programmed keys costs more again. We diagnose first and confirm the price before starting.
What Affects The Cost Of An Ignition Repair?
The vehicle model, how easily the barrel can be removed, and the extent of the wear or damage all affect the price.
Why Ignition Replacement Can Cost More Than Repair
Replacement involves a new barrel or lock assembly, and sometimes new keys programmed to the immobiliser, adding parts and labour.
Clear Pricing Before Any Ignition Work Begins
You'll know the price before we start, with no upfront payment, no hidden charges and no obligation to proceed.
If diagnosis shows the job needs different work, for example replacement rather than repair, we'll explain the revised cost first. If you decline it, there's no call-out charge.
Get an ignition quote: call 023 8218 2738.
Stiff Barrels & Seized Locks We've Sorted
Typical ignition jobs and how they're resolved at the vehicle.
Ford Ignition Barrel Sticking — Lock Diagnosed & Repaired
A sticking Ford barrel stripped, worn wafers replaced and rebuilt to work with the original keys.
Volkswagen Key Jammed In Ignition — Key & Barrel Fault Identified
A Volkswagen key jammed in the ignition, freed without damage, with both a worn key and worn barrel identified and resolved.
Vauxhall Ignition Beyond Repair — Replacement Fitted & Tested
A Vauxhall ignition damaged beyond repair, replaced and matched to the vehicle, with keys programmed and tested.
See more Recent Jobs or call 023 8218 2738.
Ignition Questions
Key Services That Often Go With Ignition Work
Is Your Car Key Broken, Bent Or Badly Worn?
The key itself may need repairing or replacing.
Does The Key Turn But The Vehicle Won't Recognise It?
That's usually a transponder or immobiliser issue.
Want A Spare Before Your Existing Key Gets Worse?
Get a backup cut and programmed. If you're stranded, or to browse everything we offer.
Ignition Problem? Get The Fault Diagnosed Before Replacing Parts
Tell us what's happening and we'll give you a clear price, then diagnose and fix the fault at your vehicle.
It helps to let us know:
- Vehicle make, model, year and registration
- Whether the key goes in normally
- Whether the key turns
- Whether the key can be removed
- Whether the engine starts
- Whether another key behaves differently
- Where the vehicle is
We cover Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Hedge End and the surrounding areas, or contact us online.