Key Stuck Ignition – What You Should Do
Common Reasons Your Key Gets Stuck in the Ignition
- You may insert the incorrect key into the ignition. This happens more times than you can imagine. You may not be paying much attention and you could have a key that looks similar to your vehicle key. It is only after inserting it that you discover you put the incorrect key into the ignition
- You have a dead car battery. In most cases, the vehicle will not start if the battery is dead, the ignition will hold onto the key and will not release it until a new battery is installed or the battery receives power from a jump.
- Your key may be damaged without your even knowing it. Perhaps it is slightly bent. This is possible because they key may have been incorrectly cut.
- If the vehicle is not in the park position, even if the gear reads that it is in the park position, it may not be. The solenoid might need to be replaced.
- If you forced the key inside the ignition then this is another reason why it sticks. It could have been entered in the wrong position at the wrong angle. If it is even slightly inserted at the incorrect angle this will make it stick.
- If you have a transmission that is failing this will cause your key to stick. This also makes it difficult for you to put the vehicle in park. If you cycle the transmission several times, you may be able to pull the key out
- When there is dirt, grime or anything else on the key, it could catch when inserted into the ignition cylinder.
- Your vehicle might have a malfunctioning sensor and it might not be sending the right signal to the lock column. This will cause the key to stick.
- There could be internal damages. The tumbler might bind in the ignition and prevent the springs from pushing out.
- The wheel lock cylinder might be worn and a new one may be needed.
- There may be a loose cable inside the ignition or the dashboard that needs to be replaced.
- The anti-theft device might be faulty. This will prevent you from getting the key back out.
Don’t worry though; there is a way to effectively remove your key from the ignition. However, we warn you that you could break the key off in the ignition if you snatch it out due to frustration. Remember to remain calm whenever you find yourself in this situation so that you can act appropriately.
Things to Do To Get Your Key Out
Just like there is a reason why your key is stuck in the ignition, there is also a solution to this problem.
- Check the position of the key. You have to make sure that the key is in the locked position. Unfortunately, what usually occurs is that the cylinder becomes worn and will make it easier to turn past the correct point. When you have a key that is attached to a lot of other keys, this is usually what will happen. It creates excessive wear on the cylinder. You can slightly rotate the key forward while you slowly try to pull it out. In some cases this will loosen up the key so that it comes out.
- Check to see if you have a dead battery. If you have a dead battery then the transponder key will not come out. Most vehicles will not allow you to remove the key unless your battery has power. This was created in a way to prevent you from being able to move the car and to prevent theft of vehicles.
- Look at your steering wheel to make sure it hasn’t locked. When the steering wheel is locked, the ignition switch will not release your key, it will hold on to it until the steering system is unlocked. Do not pull the key too hard or it could break off in the ignition. Take it out very gently. You should first make sure that you have some movement from the steering wheel before attempting to remove the key. Move it back and forth very gently and listen for it to click. Once this occurs then you can be sure that he wheel is no longer stuck. You should be able to easily remove the key from the ignition.
- Make sure your vehicle is in the park position. Sometimes you think you put it in park but if you were not paying close attention it may not be in the right position.
- Lubricate your key with a little electrical cleaner. Be careful not to use the incorrect type of lubricant because it could make matters worse. Also, don’t let it drip on your upholstery because it could damage it. Avoid any type of flammable products.
An ignition cylinder can be expensive to replace. This is why we urge you to proceed with caution if you elect to attempt to remove the key yourself.
