You hop in the car, turn the key in the ignition—and nothing happens. No engine sound, no dashboard lights, just silence. If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. There could be a few different reasons why this is happening, and many of them can be resolved quickly with the help of a professional. At Demob Locksmiths, your local Auto Locksmith Andover, we’re here to guide you through the possible causes and solutions.
Table of Contents
- 🔍 Common Reasons Your Engine Won’t Start
- 🔑 Faulty Transponder or Immobiliser System
- 🛠️ Worn or Damaged Ignition Cylinder
- 🔋 Is It an Electrical Issue or Battery Problem?
- đź“ž When to Call an Auto Locksmith
🔍 Common Reasons Your Engine Won’t Start
When your key turns but the engine doesn’t respond, here are some possibilities to consider:
🪫 Dead car battery – No power to start the engine
🔒 Immobiliser system fault – The car isn’t recognising your key
🔧 Worn ignition cylinder – The ignition is physically damaged
🚫 Broken or unprogrammed key – Especially true for cars with transponder chips
🔑 Faulty Transponder or Immobiliser System
Most modern vehicles use an immobiliser system that requires a correctly programmed transponder chip inside your key. If the chip is damaged, not synced, or missing, the engine won’t start—even if the key turns.
📡 Signs it’s a transponder issue:
- Dashboard warning light flashes
- Engine cranks but doesn’t fire
- Key works in doors but not ignition
âś… At Demob Locksmiths, we can test, repair, and reprogram faulty transponder keys on-site.
🛠️ Worn or Damaged Ignition Cylinder
If your key turns loosely or with too much resistance, the ignition barrel may be worn out.
🧰 Common symptoms:
- Key feels “wobbly” or loose when turned
- You must jiggle the key to make contact
- The key won’t fully return to the “off” position
We offer on-site ignition cylinder repairs or replacements, so you don’t have to tow your vehicle to a garage.
🔋 Is It an Electrical Issue or Battery Problem?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your key at all. If your battery is flat, even a perfectly functioning key and ignition system won’t help.
🪫 Look for signs like:
- No dashboard lights when turning the key
- Power windows or interior lights not working
- Clicking sound from the starter motor
If you’re unsure, we can help you determine the root cause and recommend the best next steps.
đź“ž When to Call an Auto Locksmith
Call Demob Locksmiths if:
- Your key turns but the engine won’t start
- You suspect a transponder or immobiliser issue
- Your ignition feels loose or stuck
- You’ve lost or damaged your key entirely
We’re a trusted Auto Locksmith Andover service with the tools and expertise to get your vehicle running again—fast.
Don’t let ignition problems disrupt your day. For mobile key programming, ignition repair, or transponder troubleshooting, contact Demob Locksmiths—your reliable Auto Locksmith Andover.
đź“ž Call us now for same-day service and expert advice!
