Shelby Locksmith: What to Do, Car Key Stuck in Ignition

Having your car key get stuck in the ignition is frustrating. It could be the result of a couple different issues, like ignition cylinder problems. It could also be something fairly simple. There are many circumstances that can end up leading to car keys getting stuck and vehicle ignition lock cylinders ultimately needing repair or replacement. Here, we are going to discuss what to do if your car key is stuck in the ignition, and why this might be happening. We are Shelby Locksmith and we serve customers in Shelby, NC so if you need a lock and security expert, just give us a call!

Let’s say that you have just come back from a road trip, and you’re ready to get inside and go to bed. You take a deep breath, a sigh of relief because you’re finally home. But then you go to take the key out of the ignition, and you realize it’s stuck. You’re confused, and think maybe you’re just a little tired. But you again tug on the key to remove it from the ignition, and still see that it is stuck. What are you supposed to do? You try restarting the engine, and turning it off again. But the key still won’t budge.

Why Would a Key Get Stuck in the Ignition?

First, let’s start with what can cause a car key to get stuck. An ignition cylinder could have excessive use and wear and tear, or other damage, and this could impact the ease with which you are able to remove your key. Luckily, this is something a locksmith can fix. Another reason the car key could get stuck is just because of the positioning of the steering wheel! This is an issue that is easy to fix on your own. Your car key can get stuck because it has broken off in the ignition, which would indicate that there was an issue with the key itself. In a nutshell, the reason your key could get stuck in the ignition could circle around issues with the key itself, issues with the ignition lock cylinder, or issues with relevant components.

So now that you have a better understanding of what could cause your car key to get stuck in the ignition, let’s go over solutions. What are you supposed to do?

Component Problems

We will assume, for the first example, that your transmission gear selector might not be in the park position. The automatic transmission allows you to take your key out when the vehicle is in park, but not at any other time. This serves as a form of theft prevention and it’s there for safety reasons as well. Check to make sure the vehicle is in park when you turn off the engine or attempt to turn it off. If you can’t put your vehicle in park, make sure there isn’t an object in the way. Once the vehicle is in park, you should be able to remove the key, but if you can’t, you are going to need expert assistance.

The steering wheel could be locked. Your vehicle should lock when the key is removed from the ignition. But if the steering column is locked in such a way that pressure is being placed on the ignition switch, you might not be able to remove your car key. You will want to move your steering wheel from side to side in an effort to loosen the key so you can get it out. Pull gently on the key as you move the steering wheel back and forth.

A dead battery could cause the car key to get stuck. If this is the problem, you need a new battery. Luckily, this doesn’t tend to be an expensive fix.

Key Problems

The key could be dirty or damaged. If you use your key for purposes that you aren’t supposed to use it for, for example, to open packages, eventually the key can become damaged. Cleaning out the ignition lock might help to remove the key if it has dirt or gunk on it. Rubbing alcohol can also help. On the other hand, if the key is really damaged in the sense that it is bent or broken, avoid using excessive force to get it out. Just wiggle

he key and pull on it. WD-40 can be helpful. Make sure to have the damaged key replaced because you don’t want to use a damaged key.

Lock Cylinder Issues

If the issue is with the lock cylinder, for instance, pins have become stuck or springs are sticking, then you might want to call an expert to come in. But you can try gently tapping on the ignition cylinder to see if this makes a difference. The lock cylinder might need to be replaced completely and this is something that a lock and security expert can help you with.

Having your car key get stuck in the ignition is frustrating, as you can see. It could be the result of a couple different issues, like ignition cylinder problems or an issue with the key itself becoming damaged or broken. It could also be something fairly simple, like the steering wheel could be in the wrong position or you might not have the car in park. Hey, things certainly happen. There are many circumstances that can end up leading to car keys getting stuck and vehicle ignition lock cylinders ultimately needing repair or replacement. Here, we have gone over what to do if your car key is stuck in the ignition, and we have provided some examples as to why this might be happening. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what to do in the event your car key becomes stuck in the ignition. Thanks for reading and remember to handle your vehicle and all of its components with care! Don’t use your key for anything but what it is designed to be used for.