• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Your Membership
    • Edit Your Profile
  • Services
    • Advertising
    • Case studies
    • Design
    • Email marketing
    • Lead generation
    • Magazine
    • Press releases
    • Publishing
    • Sponsored posts
    • Webcasting
    • Webinars
    • White papers
    • Writing
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Cart
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Terms of use
  • Events

Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

  • News
  • Features
  • Video
  • Webinars
  • White papers
  • Press releases
  • Featured companies
    • BlueBotics
    • SICK Sensor Intelligence
    • Vicor Power

Why is My Car Key Stuck in the Ignition?

May 24, 2022 by David Edwards Leave a Comment

If your key doesn’t turn in the ignition, you may still be able to remove it. Understandably, you’ll be panicking as you attempt to figure out what to do since you can’t simply leave it in the ignition with the doors open while you go to work, home, or somewhere else you need to go.

Whatever you do, DO NOT try to extract the key by using brute force since you may break the key off altogether. Afterward, you’ll be dealing with a far more serious situation.

The key should easily slip out of the ignition once you have twisted it entirely counterclockwise and (if appropriate) press the key release button on the key ring. The first important thing to do if your key won’t come out of the ignition is to figure out what could be causing the issue.

Causes of a Car Key Getting Stuck in the Ignition

When you can’t get your car key to turn, there are a number of possible causes. A unique problem with a certain automobile type or brand might explain some of these ideas. The majority of sticking points are generic and may exist in any vehicle.

You only need to comprehend these factors to find a solution to the issue. The top seven reasons for a key stuck in the ignition are listed below.

1. Inadequate Parking Gear

Before removing a vehicle key from the ignition, always put the gear to “Park”. The key won’t come out of the ignition with an automatic gearbox as long as the gear is in drive, neutral, or any other possible position. Make sure the gear changer on a manual gearbox is set to “Neutral” and not any other gear.

When users try to move the gear to P mode, the gear does not always shift over to it. If your car has a digital display that shows the gear settings, make sure the “Park” is highlighted.

2. Steering Wheel Tightening

The steering lock gets activated when you switch off your car in between. You will be unable to spin the steering wheel, but you will also be unable to remove the key.

That’s because the cylinder and steering wheel are both locked. Turn the key while wriggling the wheel to disengage both locks simultaneously. You should be able to take out the key and re-start the engine.

3. Dirt on the Key

Some folks like opening parcels and presents with their vehicle keys. While this may help rip through the tape, it may also cause the tape to get stuck on the key.

If you insert the key into your car’s ignition while the tape still adheres to it, the key will have a more difficult time engaging the ignition cylinder’s pins.

4. Dead Battery

To work correctly, the ignition mechanism is powered by the battery. If the battery fails, the ignition will automatically get locked up. Then you won’t be able to pull the key out of the ignition.

In this situation, the best thing to do is to wait for the battery to start itself or for a new battery to be fitted. Either that or use a tack hammer to tap the cylinder lightly.

5. Worn or Damaged Key

Car keys are very robust and can withstand almost anything. Each time you turn the key in the ignition, it wears the key a little bit. When you’re not using your vehicle key, you may store it in your pocket or throw it on a hard surface. This mistreatment will gradually deteriorate your automobile key.

If it ever bends or develops a slight fracture, it won’t be easy to remove it from the ignition. If you notice this damage, replace the key as soon as possible.

6. Damaged Ignition Cylinder

If your ignition lock cylinder is on the brink of failing, it may prevent your key from ejecting. This is because the ignition lock has many rows of spring-loaded pins that, when inserted, match the form of your key. If these pins are slightly misaligned, you may be unable to remove the key (or even insert it in the first place).

What should I do next?

If your key becomes stuck in the ignition, here are three things you should do:

1. Remove the Steering Wheel Lock

In many automobiles, the locking mechanism is engaged when the steering wheel is rotated too far to either the left or the right. You can’t even take your key out of the lock because of the mechanism. Once you feel that the wheel is no longer locked in place, try twisting your key in the other direction to disengage the locking mechanism.

2. Move Your Keys Around a Bit

To depress the key cylinder, press down with your left index finger. Using your right hand, jiggle your key. This may allow you to slip your key out of the cylinder by loosening the springs and pins.

3. It’s time to shift into third gear

Before removing your key, make sure your vehicle is neutral or in the park. It’s possible that your automobile isn’t aware that you’ve parked or put it in neutral. If this occurs, use a little shake of the selection. Try putting your gears back in the park if it doesn’t work.

A locksmith should be contacted if none of the above solutions work.

What to Do if Your Ignition Key Breaks?

The worst-case situation is a broken ignition key. A key extraction tool or hiring a professional locksmith is your two alternatives if your key breaks.

To remove the damaged key piece from the ignition, you need a key extractor tool. If your damaged key isn’t correctly removed, hiring a professional locksmith is better.

Before you start the car, take one last check at your key. If your key is broken or unclean, it increases the likelihood that it may fall out of the ignition and become stuck.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share this:

  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • Skype
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Pocket

You might also like…

Filed Under: News, Transportation Tagged With: car, ignition, key, stuck

Join the Robotics & Automation News community

Reader Interactions

You must log in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Latest articles

  • How to Know if Your iPhone is Being Tracked? Check This!
  • How Technology is Revolutionizing the Entertainment Sector
  • German robotics and automation sector experiencing ‘booming demand’
  • Eyewear retailer brings in robot from Osaro to keep up with e-commerce orders
  • ABB’s unveils new robotic machining cell and software
  • Universal Robots launches all-new 20 kg industrial collaborative robot
  • Massive growth predicted for robotic last-mile delivery
  • 5 Popular NFT Cryptocurrency to Invest in 2022
  • Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips
  • Fictiv secures $100 million in funding to solve ‘urgent supply chain risks’

Most Read

  • Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips
    Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips
  • Top 20 electric vehicle charging station companies
    Top 20 electric vehicle charging station companies
  • Track your lost Android
    Track your lost Android
  • Difference Between Three-Phase and Single-Phase Power
    Difference Between Three-Phase and Single-Phase Power
  • Embark provides Texas law enforcement with autonomous trucks
    Embark provides Texas law enforcement with autonomous trucks
  • Scientists have found more water in space than they ever knew possible
    Scientists have found more water in space than they ever knew possible
  • Top 20 programmable logic controller manufacturers
    Top 20 programmable logic controller manufacturers
  • What You Need to Know About Fixing an Engine Misfire
    What You Need to Know About Fixing an Engine Misfire
  • German robotics and automation sector experiencing ‘booming demand’
    German robotics and automation sector experiencing ‘booming demand’
  • The Best Mechanical Engineering Design Software in 2022
    The Best Mechanical Engineering Design Software in 2022

Overused words

abb ai applications automated automation automotive autonomous business china companies company control customers data design development digital electric global industrial industry logistics machine manufacturing market mobile platform process production robot robotic robotics robots safety software solution solutions system systems technologies technology time vehicle vehicles warehouse

Secondary Sidebar

Latest news

  • How to Know if Your iPhone is Being Tracked? Check This!
  • How Technology is Revolutionizing the Entertainment Sector
  • German robotics and automation sector experiencing ‘booming demand’
  • Eyewear retailer brings in robot from Osaro to keep up with e-commerce orders
  • ABB’s unveils new robotic machining cell and software
  • Universal Robots launches all-new 20 kg industrial collaborative robot
  • Massive growth predicted for robotic last-mile delivery
  • 5 Popular NFT Cryptocurrency to Invest in 2022
  • Keep Yourself Safe While Cycling With These Useful Tips
  • Fictiv secures $100 million in funding to solve ‘urgent supply chain risks’

Footer

We are…

Robotics and Automation News was established in May, 2015, and is now one of the most widely-read websites in its category.

Please consider supporting us by becoming a paying subscriber, or through advertising and sponsorships, or by purchasing products and services through our shop – or a combination of all of the above.

Thank you.

Independent

Archivists

May 2022
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Apr   Jun »

Complex

Old-skool

This website and its associated magazine, and weekly newsletter, are all produced by a small team of experienced journalists and media professionals.

If you have any suggestions or comments, feel free to contact us at any of the email addresses on our contact page.

We’d be happy to hear from you, and will always reply as soon as possible.

Future-facing

Free, fair and legal

We support the principles of net neutrality and equal opportunities.

Member of The Internet Defense League

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT