Booking appointments across the BH area

Key Won’t Turn? Ignition Repair at Your Car Across Bournemouth

Mobile ignition diagnosis and repair by booked appointment

An ignition fault can look like a key fault from the driver's seat: the key goes in but nothing happens, or the barrel feels stiff and unresponsive. Pro Car Keys Bournemouth assesses the key, ignition lock and relevant security system at the vehicle before recommending the appropriate repair or replacement.

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  • DBS-checked technicians
  • Fully insured
  • 6 years' experience
Audi a3 ignition repair – Ferndown

Fixed price before we start

Rated by BH locals

4.9

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Your car and key details

Tell us what you need. An enquiry is not a confirmed appointment.

Do you have a key that starts the engine?

What Is an Ignition Lock Fault?

Mechanical and Electronic Symptoms

The barrel, ignition switch and security system work together.

The barrel accepts the key and operates the ignition switch, while the vehicle's transponder reader and immobiliser authorise starting. Wear or a fault in either part can leave the driver with similar symptoms, so diagnosis comes before choosing a repair.

Is It the Ignition or the Key?

Comparing a known working spare can help narrow the cause.

If both keys produce the same problem, the ignition or another vehicle-side fault needs investigation. We consider whether the symptoms are gradual, sudden or intermittent, inspect the key for wear and assess the relevant assembly. A spare-key comparison is a clue, not a definitive diagnosis.

What Causes an Ignition Lock to Fail?

Daily wear, a damaged key blade or physical damage can affect the barrel.

Repeated insertion and turning can wear the wafer mechanism. A worn or bent blade may also contribute to poor operation, so the key and barrel are assessed together. Damage after attempted theft may extend beyond the barrel and require a broader inspection.

Can a car ignition be repaired rather than replaced?

Often, yes. Many sticking or stiff ignitions are caused by worn wafers in the barrel or a worn key, and can be repaired on site rather than replaced with a new lock set. We inspect the barrel and key first, explain the options and agree a fixed price before any work starts, at an appointment where your car is parked.

What are the signs of a failing ignition barrel?

Common signs are a key that will not turn, a barrel that feels loose or gritty, a key that only works when jiggled, or a steering lock that will not release. Stop forcing the key – that can snap it or damage the barrel further – and call 01202 287974 to describe the symptoms.

Is ignition repair cheaper at a locksmith than a dealer?

Dealers commonly replace the full ignition lock and keys as a set. A mobile auto locksmith can often repair or rebuild the existing barrel and recode it to your current key, which avoids buying new keys as well. We quote a fixed price once we have seen the make, model and year.

Practical takeaways

  • Do not force a stuck key.
  • A worn key can wear the barrel – replace both if needed.
  • Note the symptoms before you call.

Where we cover

Towns covered for ignition repair

From the cliff-top roads of Southbourne to the lanes around Verwood, we cover the whole BH area and the Dorset/Hampshire border. Wherever the car is, that's where we work.

BournemouthPooleChristchurchSouthbourneFerndownWimborneRingwoodVerwoodBoscombe BH5Charminster BH8Winton BH9Kinson BH11Sandbanks BH13Ashley Cross BH14Canford Heath BH17Broadstone BH18New Milton BH25
  • Driveways & home addresses
  • Workplace car parks
  • Retail parks
  • Town-centre streets
  • Seafront parking
  • Rural lanes on the border

Ignition repair: situations we solve

Key turns stiffly or not at all

Mechanical resistance needs assessment.

A worn key blade, worn barrel wafers or a binding steering lock can cause similar symptoms. We assess the key and barrel together rather than assuming one part needs replacing.

  • Key blade checked
  • Barrel assessed
  • Steering lock considered
  • Suitable repair discussed
Audi a4 MLB smart key programming – Wimborne Call about this

Why pick a local Bournemouth locksmith?

  • Based locally – not a national call centre
  • Fixed price before we start
  • DBS-checked technicians & Fully insured
  • We come to your home or workplace
  • Most makes and models
  • Appointments Mon–Fri 9am–9pm

FAQ

Ignition repair & replacement FAQs

Yes, for suitable faults, by booked appointment. We confirm the vehicle, access and parts first. A few faults need workshop or other specialist involvement, and we will tell you if yours does.

Makes & models

Cars we cut keys for in Bournemouth

Ford Fiesta & FocusVW Golf & PoloVauxhall Corsa & AstraBMW 1 & 3 SeriesAudi A3 & A4Mercedes A & C-ClassNissan QashqaiToyota YarisLand Rover & Range RoverKia Sportage

Ignition problem in Bournemouth?One call – sorted.

Tell us the make, model and year and we'll fix a price, then book a slot that suits you.

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Our services

Other services

£220–£470 on average

Lost car keys

No original needed. We cut and program a new key at your car.

Find out more
£170–£310 on average

Spare car keys

Copy and program a spare at home or work, with your price agreed first.

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High-security keys & EEPROM

Specialist key and module-level programming, assessed for your vehicle.

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Ignition repair photos

Audi a3 ignition repair

Ferndown

Ford transit custom ignition repair

Ferndown

Ford transit custom ignition repair

Southbourne

Ignition Lock Repair for Most Vehicle Makes

Ford, Vauxhall and Fiat

Ignition layouts vary across each range.

We assess barrel repair and replacement for supported models, including whether a compatible replacement can retain the existing key. The exact model and year determine the parts and any immobiliser-related work.

BMW, Mercedes and Audi

Electronic ignition and steering-lock symptoms need model-specific assessment.

Mercedes EIS and associated steering-lock systems, BMW security-module arrangements and Audi ignition assemblies differ by platform. We confirm whether the fault is within our ignition or specialist security-system service before booking.

Volkswagen, Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot

Mechanical barrel work and electronic pairing are separate considerations.

We assess the correct replacement assembly and any security-system requirements for the individual vehicle. We do not assume that every ignition barrel can be matched or programmed in the same way.

Mobile Appointments Across the Service Area

Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Southbourne, Ferndown, Wimborne, Ringwood, Verwood.

From a Parkstone driveway or Southbourne property to a suitable car park near Christchurch Quay or Ringwood town centre, we arrange ignition work at the vehicle. Tell us where the car is parked so access and suitability can be checked before booking.

Ignition repair in BournemouthIgnition repair in PooleIgnition repair in ChristchurchIgnition repair in SouthbourneIgnition repair in FerndownIgnition repair in WimborneIgnition repair in RingwoodIgnition repair in Verwood

Direct line

01202 287974

Speaks straight to your technician – no call centre.

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Popular spots

  • Kinson
  • Broadstone
  • Canford Heath
  • Mudeford
  • Verwood
  • Corfe Mullen

Not a national company

No call centre, no middle-man booking fee.

Real local professionals

Based in the BH area, working the BH area.

No inflated pricing

Fair, fixed prices agreed before any work.

Deal direct with your technician

The person you speak to is the one who turns up.

Why us

Why our ignition repair service works

Bournemouth pier and beach at dusk

Coverage

BH1–BH31

Coverage

Every street across BH1–BH31 – from Sandbanks to Verwood.

Fixed price before we start

Agreed on the phone, honoured on the day.

DBS-checked technicians & Fully insured

Peace of mind at your home or workplace.

Most makes and models

From a 2008 Fiesta to a new Range Rover.

Fully mobile

We come to your home or work – no garage trip.

Reviews

Feedback on our ignition repair work

Fantastic job completed. Very professional, organised, efficient. Great communication. Highly recommend.
Aaron · Customer review
I cannot recommend them enough. My Transit Custom lock was not turning. I did not know this company and called another locksmith. To cut a long story short the other locksmith attempted a repair and then gave up, leaving me with a van I could no longer use. I called these guys who came out next day; they repaired the damage done by the other locksmith and custom made a replacement ignition barrel so one key still does the doors and the new ignition. I couldn’t be more pleased. Price was very fair too!
Paul · Customer review
From start to finish fantastic service. Called them in the morning and they arrived when they said they would, very polite, explained what was wrong and fixed within the hour. Would thoroughly recommend and was also good value.
Helen · Customer review
Provided a speedy service at a good price after we bought a van that had no spare key, it was a complex job involving an OBD protector which he solved no problem. Would recommend.
James · Customer review
Highly recommend! Arranged to come out to us next day. Friendly service and completed job professionally and promptly. Price was great and I can’t fault service. We are left with a second key that works perfectly, which was easy to arrange and a great price. Would recommend to anyone looking for a replacement car key.
Anthony · Customer review
Outstanding services, completed 2 jobs for us very quick, many thanks. Top services.
David · Customer review
Great service! Was out on time and I now have two functioning car keys.
Sam · Customer review
Amazing job. My key was not readable and he managed to cut a new and a spare and get the central locking working. Would recommend 110%. Quick appointment given and friendly service. Thank you.
Beth · Customer review
Found this guy great, he managed to programme me a new key fob as well as cut a new key for my Clio, reliable, trustworthy and comes back when he says he will! 10/10 recommend.
Michael · Customer review
Excellent job done for me today. 2 sets of keys cut and programmed in short time. Highly recommended as a great job done by a very professional young man.
Eric · Customer review

How Ignition Lock Repair and Replacement Works

1. Diagnose the Fault

Identify the cause before committing to parts.

We assess the key, barrel, ignition switch and relevant electronic symptoms. Some faults can be repaired; others need a replacement assembly. The suitable work and fixed price are agreed before starting.

2. Repair or Replace the Barrel

The procedure and parts depend on the vehicle.

Some barrels are separate components; others form part of a larger ignition assembly. We confirm the appropriate replacement and parts availability for the model. A repairable fault is not automatically treated as a full replacement.

3. Match the Key and Test Operation

Keep the existing key where the architecture allows.

A compatible replacement barrel can be configured to match the existing key profile. Electronic pairing may also be required, depending on the assembly. If retaining the key is not possible, we discuss the options first, then test the relevant ignition and starting functions after the work.

Fault diagnosed first
Repair where appropriate
Key matching assessed
Fixed price before work
Ford transit custom ignition repair – Southbourne
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The ignition repair process, step by step

Why Choose Mobile Ignition Repair?

Diagnosis at the Vehicle

Suitable work takes place at a booked location.

A vehicle that will not start can be assessed where it is parked, provided the location is safe and suitable. We confirm the work we can undertake and the parts required rather than promising every fault can be resolved without workshop involvement.

Repair Only What Is Needed

A key fault and an ignition fault need different solutions.

We assess the key and ignition together and explain the findings before recommending repair or replacement. Where the vehicle supports it, keeping the existing key avoids an unnecessary change to the key set.

Customer phoning for a quote beside her car on a Dorset driveway

01

Call or quote online

Tell us the make, model and year.

Smiling technician in an orange uniform sitting in the mobile key van

02

We book your slot

Pick a time that suits you, home or work.

Audi a4 MLB smart key programming – Wimborne

03

Cut & programmed on-site

Test it, pay, and drive away.

Direct line

01202 287974

Speaks straight to your technician – no call centre.

Call now Text us

Where we work

Bournemouth hotspots

Nearby areas

PooleChristchurchSouthbourneFerndown

Postcodes

BH1–BH31

Weekdays

9am–9pm

Weekends

11am–4pm

Rating

4.9★

Recent work

Recent ignition repair jobs

Audi a3 ignition repair – Ferndown

Ignition repair & replacement

Audi A3

Ferndown

Ignition problem on an Audi A3 in Ferndown repaired at the car.

Read the job
Ford transit custom ignition repair – Southbourne

Ignition repair & replacement

Ford Transit Custom

Southbourne, BH6

Transit Custom ignition repaired in Southbourne so the van could get back to work.

Read the job
Ford kuga spare car key – Poole

Spare car keys

Ford Kuga

Poole

A second working key cut and programmed for a Ford Kuga in Poole.

Read the job
See all recent jobs

How Much Does Ignition Lock Repair Cost?

Repair vs Full Barrel Replacement

The required work determines the quote.

A repair to a serviceable barrel involves different parts and labour from replacing a worn or damaged assembly. We assess which approach is appropriate before committing to either. Ignition work is quoted individually rather than against a universal price range.

What Affects the Price?

Vehicle make, assembly type, parts and any electronic pairing.

Tell us the make, model, year and symptoms so we can assess suitability and the likely scope. Integrated assemblies or additional damage can change the work involved. Your exact price is fixed before we start, once we know the make, model and year.

Mobile Auto Locksmith vs Garage for Ignition Repair
Mobile auto locksmithGarage or dealer
Work locationSuitable booked location at your vehicleConfirm premises or mobile options
Repair or replacementRecommended after assessmentAsk which options are offered
Retain existing keyWhere the vehicle supports itConfirm for your model
Parts and electronic pairingChecked for the specific assemblyConfirm parts and coding requirements
PriceFixed before work startsRequest an itemised quote
Ignition repair & replacement: key facts
Price guideFixed price after we check your vehicle
WhereAt your car – home or work
AppointmentsMon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat–Sun 11am–4pm
Makes coveredFord Fiesta & Focus, VW Golf & Polo, Vauxhall Corsa & Astra, BMW 1 & 3 Series, Audi A3 & A4, Mercedes A & C-Class and more
Warranty12-month warranty as standard
Call-out feeOnly if the visit is diagnosis alone

Job log

Latest ignition repair jobs

  1. Recent · Ferndown

    Audi A3

    Ignition problem on an Audi A3 in Ferndown repaired at the car.

  2. Recent · Southbourne, BH6

    Ford Transit Custom

    Transit Custom ignition repaired in Southbourne so the van could get back to work.

Ford transit custom ignition repair – Ferndown

Ignition problem in the Bournemouth area?Book an assessment

Tell us the make, model, year, symptoms and where the vehicle is parked. We assess the suitable work, agree a fixed price before starting and arrange a booked appointment.

Direct line

01202 287974

Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat–Sun 11am–4pm

Call now Get quote

Last updated 6 November 2026

Call nowGet a quote