DID YOUR CAR KEY
GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION?
DON’T LOSE HOPE. HERE’S WHAT TO DO!
If you can’t extract your car key from the ignition, it’s positively annoying. It can even be scary, particularly if you’re in a hurry, or it’s after hours. If your key just won’t budge, then you’re not going anywhere. But don’t let it get you down.
Common Reasons You’re in this Mess
- The transmission may be failing, which means you cannot put your vehicle in park. Perhaps cycling the transmission several times will make it possible for you to get the key out.
- Your battery could be dead. With most newer cars, if your battery dies, your car key will get stuck in the ignition.
- Perhaps your wheel lock cylinder is worn out. You’ll need to have a new one put in.
- Maybe your car isn’t in park. Even if the gearshift lever looks like it’s in park, your car’s shift lock solenoid, or some other mechanism, might require replacement.
- Did you force the car key into the lock? It could be sitting in the mechanism at a somewhat wrong angle, so you cannot remove it.
- It’s likely there’s internal damage. Inside the ignition cylinder, a tumbler may jam up, so the springs won’t push the key back out.
- There could be a bit of grime or minute object on the key, which is catching just inside the ignition.
- Did you put the wrong key into the ignition cylinder? Maybe you thought it was the right one, but now it’s too late: You can’t get it out.
- Your car key itself may be bent slightly or otherwise damaged.
- Possibly a cable is loose (either behind the ignition or inside the dashboard) so it will probably need replacing.
- The column lock mechanism (an anti-theft device) could perhaps be malfunctioning. If so, you surely won’t be able to pull out the key.
- In all likelihood, the sensor in the transmission may not be sending the correct signal to the column lock, which will cause your car key to stick inside.
- Did your key actually break off inside the lock cylinder? Then obviously, it won’t be coming out.
These are the most probable possibilities. Don’t fret. There are things you can do yourself to get out of this predicament. But before you try any of the options listed below, first, put your parking brake on! You don’t want your vehicle to roll away while you're attempting to get your car key out!
Solutions You Can Try
1 See if your battery’s dead. Does your dashboard light up when your transponder key is in the “on” position? Depending on your automobile’s make and model, a dead battery will stop you from removing your transponder key, because its chip cannot be accurately identified by your car’s built-in computerized theft-deterrent system. A charged battery may be the simple solution.
2 Check on your car key’s position. On the ignition switch, make sure your car key is in the locked position. As an ignition cylinder starts to wear out, you may find it gets easier to turn the key past the correct point. This is especially true if your key has been attached to a cluster of trinkets on your key chain, because the resulting increased pressure on the cylinder will gradually cause excessive wear and tear. Push your key in, and rotate it forward just a fraction. In some cases, this will finally lock your ignition into the right place, and you’ll be able to pull your key out.
3 Lubricate the key. Spray a little bit of electrical cleaner between the ignition and the key. Be very careful. Leave your car doors open while you do the following, so you won’t suffer from the fumes: Add a quick spray of silicone, or add a drop or two of liquid graphite. Be sure to avoid sparks and open flames! Furthermore, don’t drip on the upholstery. You may have to lubricate twice. Now, turn the key very slightly, exerting only minimum pressure. This may very well work so you can successfully pull out the key.
4 Check the steering wheel. At times, your steering wheel can lock. If this occurs, the ignition switch will keep your key locked in one position, until the steering system unlocks. Don’t tug too much on the key! Be very gentle. First of all, see if you can get any movement at all out of the steering wheel. Put your left hand on the steering wheel as you very gently rotate the key forward. Move the wheel, softly, to one side, and listen for a click. If you don't hear one, then turn the wheel, gently, the other direction. At the moment you do hear the click, try removing your key. If you’re successful, you’ll know that the problem involves pressure coming from the steering wheel.
5 Look at the park position. Your shifter has to be locked in park in order to remove the car key. Sometimes, your car won’t lock into the park position correctly. If you can still move the gearshift lever out of park after you turn off the engine, then it could mean that your linkage is out of adjustment, or it may be worn out and thus will require replacement.
After All This, Is Your Car Key Still Stuck?
Then don’t waste any more time getting upset. Hire a locksmith expert with the exceptional skill, experience, and knowhow required to thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s ignition switch, battery, gearshift lever, and so on. A legitimate automotive locksmith professional will be able to determine the actual cause of your problem, find the right solution, and you’ll be on your way soon.
If you’re stranded anywhere in Johns Creek, Georgia, consider Johns Creek 24/7 Locksmith, whose mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff are ready to come to your rescue around the clock.
While You Wait for Help to Arrive
- Keep your vehicle secure. Use a spare key to lock your car manually.
- If possible, put your key into the lock position so you won’t run down the battery.