Key will not turn
Assess the key and ignition cylinder for wear or damage.
IGNITION LOCK
Ignition Lock & Key Repair
Assessment and repair options for supported ignition locks, worn keys and mechanical starting problems.
Assessment and repair options for supported ignition locks, worn keys and mechanical starting problems. Locksmith.lk first confirms the exact key, lock or vehicle system involved so the correct service is chosen rather than replacing parts unnecessarily.
Sticking ignition
Diagnose difficult mechanical operation.
Worn key blade
Check whether a fresh key cut may help.
Broken key
Assess extraction and replacement options.
Ignition cylinder
Repair or replacement options for supported locks.
Key programming
Identify when an electronic immobilizer issue is separate.
HOW IT WORKS
Simple, Clear Service Process
Send the details
Tell us the key, lock or vehicle situation and include photos where useful.
Confirm support
We check compatibility, required parts and whether shop or mobile service is suitable.
Approve the work
We explain the proposed service and expected price before proceeding.
Complete and test
The completed work is checked for the supported functions before handover.
IN-DEPTH GUIDE
Diagnosing Ignition Lock and Key Problems
A key that will not turn in the ignition does not automatically mean the ignition lock must be replaced. The blade may be worn, bent or damaged; the cylinder may be worn; steering-lock pressure may be involved; or the fault may be electronic on vehicles with different start systems.
Avoid forcing a stiff key because a broken blade inside the ignition can make the repair more complicated. Tell us whether a spare key behaves differently and whether the same key operates the door locks normally. Those comparisons help separate key wear from cylinder wear.
Supported repairs depend on the vehicle and lock condition. Where replacement is required, additional key cutting or programming may also be needed.
Before you contact us
For vehicle work, send the make, model, year, start type and photos of any existing key. For door and lock work, send clear photos of the lock, door edge and key where possible. This helps us confirm the correct service, likely parts and whether shop or mobile service is suitable.
SERVICE DETAILS
What to Know Before You Book
Ignition problems can come from a worn key blade, worn cylinder, damaged wafers, steering-lock pressure or other vehicle-side faults. Diagnosis prevents unnecessary replacement.
Do not repeatedly force a key that is difficult to turn. A broken blade inside the ignition can make the repair more complicated.
Compare spare-key behavior if available and describe exactly whether the key inserts, turns, releases or starts the vehicle.
Useful next steps
Not sure which service applies? Browse the vehicle brands we support, check your service area, or look at real completed jobs. These pages help connect the exact vehicle, service and location instead of treating every locksmith enquiry the same.
COMPLETE SERVICE GUIDE
More About Ignition Lock & Key Repair
How we identify the right service
A vehicle key problem is not always a programming problem, and a lock problem is not always solved by replacing the lock. For Ignition Lock & Key Repair, we start with the vehicle make, model, year, start type and the exact symptom. We also ask whether a working key remains, whether the mechanical blade still operates the door or ignition, and which electronic functions still work. These details help separate cutting, transponder, remote, smart-key, lock and vehicle-side issues before parts or labour are committed.
Working key versus all keys lost
The service path can change significantly depending on whether at least one working key is still available. A spare-key job normally begins by identifying the existing key and matching a compatible replacement. When all keys are lost, the vehicle may require a different security procedure, authorized access, additional key generation steps or a different programming route. We therefore quote and plan all-keys-lost work separately instead of treating it as ordinary duplication.
Cutting, programming and remote functions are different
Modern car keys can combine several systems in one case. The blade provides mechanical access, the transponder communicates with the immobilizer, and remote or smart-key electronics control locking, unlocking or proximity functions. One part can work while another fails. A newly cut blade may open the door but not start the engine; a transponder may start the car while remote buttons remain faulty. Our service process checks the functions relevant to the key instead of assuming one procedure fixes everything.
Compatibility before parts are ordered
Keys and remotes that look identical can contain different chips, frequencies, boards or smart-key specifications. Vehicle market and production year can also matter. For that reason, send clear photos of the existing key and any available identifiers together with the vehicle details before purchasing a replacement. We confirm the likely compatible option first and explain when final confirmation requires inspection of the vehicle or key.
What affects the final price
Pricing for Ignition Lock & Key Repair depends on the vehicle, key or lock system, whether a working key remains, the replacement part required, cutting requirements, programming method and whether the job is completed at the shop or at the vehicle. An all-keys-lost job is not priced the same as adding a spare. Contact us with the full details and we will explain the expected work before proceeding.
Security and handover
Car-key and vehicle-access work is security-sensitive. We may request reasonable evidence that the person requesting the work owns or is authorized to use the vehicle. After the supported work is completed, the relevant mechanical and electronic functions are tested before handover. If another vehicle-side fault remains, we explain what was confirmed during the locksmith work rather than presenting an unrelated fault as a key problem.
SHOP + MOBILE
Shop Service + Mobile Assistance
Contact us first and we will confirm the suitable option, availability and expected price.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Ignition Lock & Key Repair FAQs
How do I know if this service is suitable?+
Send clear details and photos first. For vehicle work include make, model and year; for locks include the lock or door type.
Do I need to visit the shop?+
It depends on the job. Some services are best completed at the shop while lockouts and selected vehicle jobs can be mobile.
How much does it cost?+
Pricing depends on the key or lock type, vehicle system, parts required and job complexity. Contact us for a service-specific quote.
What should I send on WhatsApp?+
Send your location, a short description of the problem and clear photos. For car-key work also send the vehicle make, model and year.
LOCAL + VEHICLE SUPPORT
Explore Locksmith.lk by Vehicle or Area
Need Help With This Service?Call 070 625 0000 or WhatsApp the details and Locksmith.lk will confirm the suitable option.