IMMEDIATE ACCESSAuto Locksmiths

Ignition locks · Repair & replacement

Car Ignition Repair

Key hard to turn, stuck in the ignition or not turning at all? Immediate Access diagnoses and repairs ignition lock problems at your vehicle across Southampton and surrounding Hampshire.

Common Ignition Symptoms

Key difficult to turn

A key that needs jiggling or force to turn is often a sign of wear in the key, the lock, or both.

Key not turning

If the key goes in but won't turn at all, the cause could be a worn key, a locked steering column or a fault in the lock itself.

Key sticking or hard to remove

A key that won't come out when the engine's off can point to worn ignition lock components or a damaged key.

Broken key in the ignition

If a key snaps inside the ignition, the fragment needs removing carefully. See also broken car keys.

Diagnosing the Cause

Ignition problems aren't always caused by the ignition. The fault may lie with the key, the lock or barrel, or another component, and several can wear together over time. Replacing the wrong part wastes money, so the first step is always a proper diagnosis.

Sometimes a new key solves the problem — see car key replacement. In other cases the ignition lock itself needs attention.

Repair or Replacement

Depending on the diagnosis, worn or damaged ignition lock components may be repaired or replaced. Where a replacement lock is fitted, keys may need to be matched or programmed so everything works together. We'll explain the options and costs for your vehicle before any work goes ahead.

We have a dedicated page for ignition lock replacement in Fareham, and provide ignition work across our wider service area.

Mobile Ignition Service

Because the car may not be driveable, we come to it — at home, at work or wherever it's parked — for suitable jobs. That avoids the cost of recovery to a garage.

Information We'll Need

  • Vehicle registration, make, model and approximate year
  • The symptoms — hard to turn, won't turn, stuck, or broken key
  • Whether the problem happens with all keys or just one
  • Where the vehicle is

Before any entry or key work, we may need proof of ownership or that you're authorised to access the vehicle. Please have suitable documents to hand if you can.

How it works

  1. 1

    Describe the symptoms

    Tell us what the key and ignition are doing, plus the vehicle details.

  2. 2

    We advise and quote

    We'll explain the likely causes and give you a quote for diagnosis and repair.

  3. 3

    Diagnosis & repair on site

    For suitable jobs, we diagnose and repair or replace at the vehicle.

Areas We Cover

Ignition repair is available across Southampton and surrounding Hampshire, including Fareham, Portsmouth and Winchester. Choose your area below.

Recent Ignition Jobs

Ford Transit ignition replacement in Chandler's Ford

Ignition Replacement

Ford Transit — Chandler's Ford

Failed ignition replaced on a Ford Transit in Chandler's Ford.

Ford keysChandler's Ford

Škoda Fabia ignition switch replacement in Swaythling

Ignition Switch Replacement

Škoda Fabia — Swaythling

Failed ignition switch diagnosed and replaced on a Škoda Fabia in Swaythling.

Skoda keys

Mercedes Sprinter EIS replacement and spare key in Portchester

EIS Replacement & Spare Key

Mercedes Sprinter — Portchester

Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) replaced and an additional key supplied for a Mercedes Sprinter in Portchester.

Mercedes keys

Car Ignition Repair FAQs

Why is my car key hard to turn in the ignition?

It's often wear — in the key, the ignition lock, or both. A locked steering column can also make it stiff. A proper diagnosis identifies the cause.

Is it the key or the ignition?

It can be either, or both. If a spare key works smoothly, the original key may be worn. If all keys struggle, the lock is more likely.

My key is stuck in the ignition — what should I do?

Don't force it, as this can break the key or damage the ignition. Call us with the details.

Can you repair the ignition at my home?

For suitable vehicles and jobs, yes. We carry out ignition work at the vehicle.

Will I need new keys if the ignition is replaced?

Possibly. Depending on the vehicle, keys may need matching or programming to work with a replacement lock. We'll explain beforehand.

Do you cover Fareham?

Yes. We have a dedicated Fareham ignition lock page and cover the wider Southampton and Hampshire area.

How much does ignition repair cost?

It depends on the vehicle, the fault and whether repair or replacement is needed. Call for a quote.

Ignition giving you trouble?

Call for current availability across Southampton & Hampshire.

Call Now07944 199 003
Call Now · 07944 199 003