Is Your Key Stuck In The Ignition?

If your key is stuck in the vehicle ignition the last thing that we want you to do is jerk it out. You may want to take note of what you can do when you find yourself in this situation.

First, here is why you may experience a problem with your key getting stuck in the ignition:

• You have the wrong key inserted in the ignition. Believe it or not this actually happens. Somehow a motorist managed to insert the incorrect key into their vehicles ignition. This will inevitably prevent you from being able to get it back out.
• When the vehicle batter is dead then you can also expect to experience this problem. The only way that your ignition will release the key is if the battery is fully charged.
• The vehicle key might have a small imperfection. If it is even slightly bent then you could experience a problem with removing it. The key might look perfectly fine to you but may not be.
• The vehicle must also be in the PARK position if you want to be able to remove the key from the ignition.
• If you insert the key into the ignition at the incorrect angle then you might experience a problem removing the key. Make sure when inserting the key that you put it straight in and that you do not force it into the ignition.
• If there is dirt and debris on the key then it will prevent your key from easily coming out of your vehicle ignition.
• It is quit possible that the transmission sensor is malfunctioning. When this occurs it may prevent the key from easily sliding out. It is due to the signal not being received by the column lock feature that you are unable to remove the key.
• There may be internal damages that you are unaware of since you are not able to look inside your ignition. If the tumbler binds inside the ignition, the springs won’t push your key back out.
• Your vehicles wheel lock cylinder may be worn. You will have to have a new one installed in order to get the key out.
• If there is a loose cable in the dashboard, it will also need to be replaced if you are going to be able to effectively remove the key.
• You may have a faulty anti-theft device. This will prevent you from removing the key from the ignition.
• If your key breaks off inside the ignition, you’ll need professional help to extract it.

You might read this and feel defeated before you even get started on finding a resolution. However, we assure you that all is not lost. Here are some things that you can try to safely remove your key from the ignition.

• First, make sure that the key is in the correct position. If it is in the PARK position then you’ll be able to easily remove it. If you have a worn cylinder you could easily turn your key beyond the right position. This usually happens when someone has too many keys on their keychain. The weight causes pressure on the cylinder, which is why you shouldn’t carry too many keys on your key chain. Try to push the in and slightly rotate it forward. This may give it the right amount of pressure needed to effectively remove the key from the ignition.
• One of the first things that a locksmith or tow truck service will do is check the vehicle battery to see if it is dead. Again, if you have a dead battery then you will not be able to remove the key. If you receive a jump and you still can’t get the key out you may have to have the battery replaced with a new one.
• When your steering wheel locks the ignition switch will not allow the key to be removed from the ignition. If you pull on the key too much then you might just make the situation worse than it already is. You should try to avoid this at all cost. You’ll want to try to get the key out by slightly attempting to remove it. When you attempt to remove it from the ignition then you should pull with one hand, while attempting to turn the steering wheel with the other hand. Only gently try to remove the key when you attempt to remove it. Turning the steering wheel while trying to remove the key may help to unlock it. If you can effectively unlock the steering column then it should be easy to get the key out.
• When your key is lubricated it makes it possible for you to easily remove the key from the ignition. All that you’ll need to do is spray a small amount of electrical cleaner into the ignition. This will lubricate the key and give you a better chance of removing the key from the ignition. Keep in mind that no matter what you do, never apply too much force when attempting to remove the key because if it breaks off in the ignition, you’ll require the services of a locksmith to extract the key for you.