Car Lock & Ignition Repair in Brighton
Key won’t turn? Lock jammed? We fix car lock and ignition problems on the spot.
Sometimes the problem isn’t with your key, but with the locks or ignition barrel of your vehicle. These are mechanical parts that can wear out, get damaged, or fail over time. If your car key won’t turn in the ignition or a door lock is jammed, you need a specialist who understands how these mechanisms work.
Auto Locksmith Brighton provides a mobile car ignition repair service in Brighton, as well as comprehensive solutions for faulty door locks, boot locks, and steering locks. We can diagnose the issue at the roadside and, in many cases, perform a repair that saves you from a costly replacement part.
For help with a faulty lock or ignition, call us: 01273 944 042
Common Lock & Ignition Problems We Solve
Our experienced technicians can handle a wide range of issues related to your vehicle’s mechanical and electronic locking systems.
Car Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
This is a very common problem, especially in certain models from Ford, Honda, and Volkswagen. It’s often caused by worn-out wafers inside the ignition barrel that no longer align correctly with the key. Forcing the key can cause it to snap or damage the ignition further.
Our Solution: We can often dismantle the ignition, identify and replace the worn wafers, and rebuild it to work smoothly with your existing key. This ignition switch repair is far more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit.
Worn or Damaged Door Locks
If you have to jiggle the key to get a door lock to open, it’s a sign that the lock is heavily worn. Eventually, it will fail completely. We can service, repair, or replace individual door locks on your vehicle.
Central Locking Problems
If only one of your doors fails to lock or unlock with the remote fob, it usually points to a problem with that specific door’s lock actuator rather than the key itself. We can help diagnose these central locking problems in Brighton and advise on the best course of action.
Key Stuck in the Ignition or Lock
A key can get stuck due to worn components or because the steering lock is engaged under pressure. We can safely extract the key and address the underlying cause.
Steering Lock Repair
If the steering lock is faulty, it can prevent the ignition from turning. We can repair or replace the steering lock mechanism to restore full functionality.
Our Diagnostic and Repair Process
- Listen to the Problem: You describe the symptoms over the phone, which gives us a good initial idea of the fault.
- Examine the Key: First, we inspect your key. A heavily worn key can be the cause of ignition problems, and a new key may be the simplest fix.
- Inspect the Lock/Ignition: We will test the lock or ignition with a new, perfectly cut key blade to see if the fault lies with the key or the mechanism itself.
- Dismantle and Repair: If the fault is with the lock or ignition, we will carefully dismantle it. We carry a stock of common replacement parts like ignition wafers, allowing us to perform an on-the-spot repair.
- Reassemble and Test: We rebuild the component and test it thoroughly to ensure smooth, reliable operation.
Why Choose Us for Lock & Ignition Repairs?
- We are Specialists: Unlike a general garage, we are experts in the fine mechanics of locks and ignitions.
- We Prioritise Repair over Replacement: If an ignition or lock can be repaired, we will do it. This saves you a significant amount of money compared to buying a whole new part from a dealer, which often requires multiple new keys as well.
- Mobile Service: We perform these complex repairs at your location, saving you the hassle of getting your vehicle to a workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My steering wheel is locked and the key won’t turn. What should I do?
A: This is often just the steering lock doing its job. Try turning the steering wheel gently from side to side while simultaneously trying to turn the key. This can relieve the pressure on the lock and allow the key to turn. If it still won’t work, there may be a fault, and you should call us.
Q: Can you fix a lock that has been damaged in a break-in attempt?
A: Yes, we can often repair or replace locks that have been damaged by thieves. We can also assess your vehicle’s security and recommend upgrades.
Q: Is it expensive to repair an ignition?
A: An ignition switch repair where we replace the internal wafers is much cheaper than buying a complete new ignition barrel from a dealer. Call us for a quote based on your vehicle.
Get your vehicle’s locks and ignition working like new again.
CALL NOW FOR LOCK & IGNITION REPAIR: 01273 944 042
