Ignition Repair & Broken Key Extraction in Palm Beach & Broward County
Key won’t turn, stuck in the ignition, or snapped off in the lock? LockFox repairs worn ignition cylinders and extracts broken keys at your vehicle — and tells you honestly when the problem is your battery or starter instead.
Key won’t turn? Check these first
Before you call anyone, rule out the simple causes. Never force the key — a bent or snapped key turns a small problem into a bigger one.
- Steering-wheel lock. If the wheel was turned when the engine was shut off, the steering lock can bind the ignition. Gently turn the wheel left and right while turning the key at the same time.
- Shifter not fully in Park. On automatic cars, the key often won’t turn or come out unless the shifter is fully in Park. Move it firmly into Park and try again.
- Worn key. Try your spare. If the spare works smoothly, the problem is the worn key, not the ignition — a new key cut to factory code fixes it.
- Dead battery. On many vehicles the key can’t be removed when the battery is dead, because the shift interlock is electrical.
- Security light flashing and the car won’t start. That points to the transponder chip or immobilizer, not the lock cylinder — see car key replacement or key fob programming.
Avoid spraying household lubricants into the ignition. They can gum up the small internal parts and make things worse.
Signs your ignition cylinder needs work
Key is hard to turn
You have to jiggle or wiggle the key before it will turn. Worn internal wafers are the usual cause.
Key gets stuck
The key won’t come out, or only comes out after several tries.
Works sometimes
The ignition turns one day and fights you the next. Wear usually gets worse, not better.
Key turns too freely
The cylinder turns without resistance, or turns with the wrong key. That’s both a reliability and a security problem.
Key broke off inside
A worn or cracked key snapped in the ignition or a door lock.
Damage after a break-in
A forced ignition or door lock after an attempted theft.
When it’s not a locksmith problem
We’d rather tell you on the phone than charge you for a trip. These usually point to a mechanic or auto electrician:
- The key turns normally, but you hear clicking or nothing at all — typically the battery, connections or starter.
- The engine cranks but won’t fire, with no security light flashing — usually fuel, spark or sensor issues.
- Dash lights flicker or cut out when you touch the key — that can be the electrical ignition switch behind the cylinder, not the lock.
It’s also worth checking your VIN for open safety recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls. If an ignition-related recall applies to your vehicle, the dealer handles it at no charge.
Ignition repair vs. replacement
Repair means servicing the existing cylinder: cleaning it and replacing worn internal parts so it works with your key again. When repair is possible, you keep the same key for the doors and ignition.
Replacement means installing a new ignition cylinder when the old one is too worn, broken or damaged. A new cylinder can often be keyed to match your existing key, so you still carry one key. If it comes with a new key instead, the key’s chip still needs programming to your car.
Which one makes sense depends on the vehicle, the condition of the cylinder and the parts available. We’ll explain the options before any work starts.
Push-to-start cars don’t have a key cylinder. “Key not detected” problems there are usually the fob — see key fob programming. Faults in the start button itself are usually a dealer or mechanic repair.
Broken key extraction: door or ignition
Keys that are worn thin or cracked tend to snap at the worst moment, often in the ignition or the driver’s door lock. If it happens:
- Stop. Don’t push the broken piece in further or keep trying other keys in the lock.
- Skip the superglue. Gluing the pieces back together inside the lock usually ruins the cylinder.
- Keep both halves. The broken piece helps us cut a new key, and if your key head has a chip or remote inside, the electronics can sometimes be moved into a new key shell.
- Call us. We remove the broken piece with dedicated extraction tools, check the lock for damage, and cut a replacement key.
If the key broke in the door and the car is locked, we can handle entry too — see car lockout.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and registration or title in your name
- Year, make, model and VIN
- A short description: won’t turn, stuck, broken, or turns too freely
- Every key for the car, including broken pieces
- Where the car is parked
What affects the price
- Year, make and model
- Repair vs. full cylinder replacement
- Parts needed and availability
- Whether new keys need to be cut or programmed
- Time of day and location
Describe the symptoms when you call and we’ll give you a quote before dispatch.
Ignition and key information by vehicle
Look up your key type in the Car Key Finder, or go straight to Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge or Jeep. Popular models include the Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Ignition repair near you
We come to your vehicle anywhere in Palm Beach and Broward County.
Ignition repair FAQ
Why won’t my key turn in the ignition?
The most common causes are a bound steering-wheel lock, the shifter not fully in Park, a worn key, or worn parts inside the ignition cylinder. Turn the steering wheel gently while turning the key, and try your spare, before assuming the ignition has failed.
Can a locksmith fix an ignition, or do I need the dealer?
Mechanical ignition cylinder problems — worn, sticking or damaged cylinders — are locksmith work in many cases, done at your vehicle. Electrical faults, start-button failures and recall repairs are dealer or mechanic jobs, and we’ll tell you if that’s what it sounds like.
My key broke off in the ignition. What should I do?
Stop using the ignition, don’t try superglue, and keep both pieces. We extract the broken piece with dedicated tools and cut a new key; if the key head has a chip, it may be reusable.
Can you get a broken key out of a car door lock?
Yes, broken key extraction works for door locks as well as ignitions. If the car is locked at the same time, we can handle entry too.
Will I need new keys after ignition repair?
Not always. A repaired cylinder, or a new one keyed to match, can work with your current key. If your key is worn, a fresh key cut to factory code is recommended so the repair lasts.
Is it the ignition or the battery?
If the key turns normally but you hear clicking or nothing, it’s usually the battery or starter. If the key itself won’t turn or is stuck, it’s more likely the key or ignition cylinder.
Do you work on push-to-start ignitions?
Push-to-start cars don’t have a key cylinder. If the car says “key not detected,” the fob is usually the issue, which we can help with. Start-button faults are usually a dealer or mechanic repair.
Key stuck or won’t turn?
Call or text your year, make, model and what the key is doing. We’ll tell you whether it sounds like a locksmith job before anyone drives out.
Related: automotive locksmith services · car key replacement · car lockout