Car Lock And Ignition Issues in Slough
Car lock and ignition issues in Slough can stop your day in its tracks. Whether your car key won’t turn, the ignition is jammed, or a door lock has failed, our experienced auto locksmiths provide fast, mobile help across Slough and the SL postcode area. As a trusted local auto locksmith with over 10 years’ experience, we diagnose and fix car lock and ignition problems on the roadside using dealer-level equipment and non-destructive methods wherever possible.
When You Might Need Car Lock And Ignition Help
Car lock and ignition faults show up in a few common ways. If any of the following sounds familiar, we can help the same day:
- Key won’t turn or comes out partway
- Ignition barrel spinning freely or feeling gritty
- Car won’t start and the key symbol appears on the dash
- Steering lock stuck or won’t release
- Key stuck in the ignition or broken off in the lock
- Central locking won’t respond, or one door won’t lock/unlock
- Remote works but the driver’s door won’t open
- Boot lock jammed or tailgate won’t latch
- Key blade twisted, worn, or snapped
- Key fob not responding even with a new battery
- Immobiliser light flashing; car not detecting the key
Typical scenarios we attend across Slough, Langley, Cippenham, Windsor, Maidenhead and the wider SL area include:
- After work, your key won’t turn in the ignition
- In a supermarket car park with a key snapped in the door lock
- Frozen or seized locks after wet or cold weather
- A worn ignition on higher-mileage vehicles (common on some Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen models)
- Central locking problems where only one door works, suggesting actuator or barrel wear
- Faulty push-to-start systems not recognising a smart key
If you’re locked out right now, our car unlock service in Slough offers urgent, non-destructive entry to get you back in quickly and safely.
How We Diagnose And Fix Car Lock And Ignition Problems
Every job begins with a calm assessment and clear explanation. We use non-destructive techniques wherever possible, and we’ll always explain any rare exceptions before work starts.
- On-vehicle diagnostics
- OBD2 diagnostics to read immobiliser and key data
- Live data to confirm key recognition and ignition switch status
- Fault-code guided testing for immobiliser and steering lock modules
- Mechanical inspection
- Assess wear on key blades, locks and the ignition barrel
- Check steering lock function and ignition switch alignment
- Inspect door lock actuators, linkages and latches
- Precision repair and replacement
- Non-destructive key extraction from locks and ignitions
- Ignition barrel repair or replacement, matched to your key where possible
- Door and boot lock repair/rebuild to factory specification
- Steering lock repair for vehicles with ESL/ELV systems (where applicable)
- Key and immobiliser services on-site
- Key blade cutting and key fob repair if wear is the root cause
- Transponder and smart key programming with dealer-level equipment
- ECU/immobiliser programming or resynchronisation when required
- EEPROM programming for specific models when data access is needed
We carry specialist tools for precision work, including broken key extraction kits, high-security lock picks, laser cutting machines for high-security vehicle keys, and dealer-level programmers for transponder key programming and smart key programming. If your ignition fault is electronic rather than mechanical, we can test and, where appropriate, reprogramme components such as the immobiliser or remote central locking system.
In rare cases where a component is beyond repair and non-destructive methods are not possible (for example, a severely damaged ignition barrel), we will discuss options and costs with you first and proceed only with your approval.
Common Issues We Fix Daily
- Key stuck in ignition or door
- Non-destructive removal, then repair or replacement of worn parts
- Ignition won’t turn
- Rebuild or replace worn barrels; check and replace ignition switch where necessary
- Key snapped in lock
- Broken car key extraction and a fresh key cut to code
- Central locking not working on one door
- Diagnose actuator vs mechanical barrel fault; repair or replace accordingly
- Car won’t start, key not detected
- Check key transponder, aerial ring, immobiliser module, and programme keys as needed
- Steering lock jammed
- Diagnose mechanical vs electronic lock fault; repair or replace ESL/ELV components
If your key or fob is also worn or unreliable, we can combine repairs with on-site car key cutting and duplication and dealer-level car key programming.
Why Choose Our Slough Auto Locksmiths
- Local to Slough, covering all SL postcodes
- Fast mobile response across Slough, Cippenham, Langley, Eton, Windsor, Maidenhead, Burnham, Iver, Gerrards Cross and beyond
- 10+ years’ specialist experience
- Car lock repair, ignition repair and replacement, and advanced immobiliser work across all major makes
- Dealer-level tools, training and diagnostics
- OBD2 diagnostics, EEPROM key programming, ECU/immobiliser programming, and high-security key cutting onboard
- Non-destructive first approach
- We prioritise non-destructive entry and repair wherever possible, with clear communication on any exceptions
- Fully insured and vetted
- Public liability insurance; DBS-checked technicians for your peace of mind
- All makes and models
- Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Toyota, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Kia, Hyundai, Land Rover, Skoda, Volvo, Jaguar and more
- Guarantees and fair advice
- Workmanship and new keys/fobs covered by warranty; honest guidance on repair vs replacement
Looking for brand-specific guidance? See the brands we cover, including dedicated pages for Ford auto locksmith in Slough, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
Our Straightforward Process
- Contact
- Tell us the symptoms, your vehicle make/model/year, and your location in the SL area
- Assessment
- We run diagnostic checks and mechanical inspections on arrival
- Repair
- We perform the agreed repair, whether that’s ignition barrel work, lock repair, or key/immobiliser programming
- Testing
- We test key operation, lock function and starting, and demonstrate everything before you set off
If you’re unsure whether you need lock repair or a new key, we can advise you on the spot and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
Related Services And Next Steps
Depending on your situation, these services may be helpful:
- Need a spare or replacement key after an ignition repair? Explore our car key replacement in Slough.
- Remote stopped working? See our guide to key fob not working.
- Locked out due to a faulty lock? Our car unlock service in Slough can help.
- Comparing costs with the dealer? Read about auto locksmith prices in Slough.
If you can’t find your exact issue, view all auto locksmith services in Slough or contact our Slough team.
FAQs: Car Lock And Ignition Problems
What should I do if my car key won’t turn in the ignition?
First, make sure the steering wheel isn’t locked solid; gently wiggle the wheel while turning the key—don’t force it. If it still won’t turn, the ignition barrel may be worn or the key blade may be damaged. Call us and we’ll assess and either repair or replace the barrel and cut a fresh key if needed. We use dealer-level diagnostics to rule out electronic immobiliser faults.
My car key has snapped in the lock—can you remove it without damage?
Yes. We use specialist broken car key extraction tools to remove the fragment non-destructively in the vast majority of cases. We can then cut and programme a replacement key on-site so you’re not stranded.
The key symbol is showing on my dashboard and the car won’t start. Is this an immobiliser issue?
Often, yes. It may be a transponder or antenna (aerial ring) problem, a key not recognised, or a sync issue between the key and immobiliser. We’ll connect diagnostics via OBD2, test for recognition, and reprogramme or repair components as required.
Why is my central locking not working on one door?
This can be caused by a failing door lock actuator, a worn mechanical lock barrel, or a linkage issue. We’ll test the electrical side first, then inspect the mechanism. We carry replacement actuators and can refurbish or replace the barrel if needed.
Can you fix push-button start or smart key not detected problems?
Yes. We handle smart key programming, proximity key replacement, and push-to-start system faults. We check key battery health, RF signal, aerials, steering lock modules and immobiliser status, and reprogramme keys or modules as needed.
How long does an ignition repair take?
Simple repairs or key extractions can be completed within a single visit. Ignition barrel repair or replacement typically takes between one and two hours on most models. More complex immobiliser-related issues can take longer; we’ll advise timelines after diagnostics.
Do you cover evenings and weekends for urgent ignition issues?
Yes. Our emergency support is available for urgent situations. If you’re stuck now, please use our emergency line and we’ll dispatch a mobile technician across the SL postcode area. You can also visit our emergency auto locksmith in Slough page for details.
Peace Of Mind For Drivers In Slough
Car lock and ignition issues are stressful, but you’re not on your own. Our mobile car locksmiths come to you anywhere in Slough and the surrounding SL postcodes, equipped to fix mechanical and electronic faults on the spot. With over a decade of experience, insured and DBS-checked technicians, and warranties on workmanship and new keys, you can rely on us to get you moving again quickly and safely.
Need help now? Call 01753 303 101 or Email us.
Helpful links
