Car key won’t turn in the ignition?

Common signs of an ignition problem

• The key goes in but won’t turn at all.
• You have to jiggle, push or wiggle the key before it turns.
• The key turns but won’t come back out.
• The key feels loose or gritty, or the barrel turns without the key.
• It works with one key but not with the other.

First, a few quick checks

Before you book anything, try these. They solve it more often than you’d think:

• Turn the steering wheel gently left and right while turning the key. If the steering lock is engaged against the wheel, the key won’t turn until the pressure comes off.
• Check the gear lever. On automatics, the car needs to be firmly in Park.
• Try the spare key. If the spare works, it’s the key that’s worn, not the ignition.

Please don’t force it or spray oil into the barrel, as that can turn a repair into a full replacement.

Is it the key or the ignition?

Keys wear over time, particularly if a heavy bunch of keys hangs from them while you drive. A worn blade can stop lining up with the pins in the ignition. In that case, cutting a fresh key to the correct pattern often fixes it, and it may be done as a replacement key. If the ignition barrel itself is worn, jammed or damaged, it can be repaired or replaced so your key turns smoothly again.

Ignitions can also be damaged in an attempted theft. If the barrel has been forced, I can usually repair or replace it so the car is drivable and secure again.

How it works

1. Tell me what’s happening. Call 07780 672297 or choose “My key won’t turn on my ignition” on the quote form. Make, model and year help a lot here.
2. I confirm the price by phone and arrange a time to come to the car.
3. I diagnose it at the car, whether it’s the key, the barrel or both, and explain the options before doing any work.
4. Repair and test. Once it’s fixed, your key turns, starts the car and comes back out as it should.

Makes I commonly see

Worn ignitions are common on older Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Audi, Skoda and Honda models, but I work on most makes and models. Push-button start cars don’t have a traditional barrel, so if one of those won’t start, it’s usually a key or fob issue. See key fob repair.

Price

Ignition jobs vary widely depending on the car and whether it’s a key or barrel fault, so I don’t list a single figure. The quote form gives an approximate guide once you send it, and I’ll always confirm the price by phone before any work starts. Work comes with a 1-year guarantee.