What to Do, Car Key Stuck in Ignition
If you went to remove your key to shut off your engine only to realize once you turned it that it was stuck in the ignition of your vehicle, then you know that this is a challenging situation. We know it can be very stressful. After all, you have things to do and places to go! People don’t expect that their key is going to get stuck in the ignition. Certain things are expected, like the need for oil changes and the occasional scare that you just might run out of gas – but not the key getting stuck. If this does happen, never panic because a locksmith specializing in automotive services can help you if need be.
Here is something you do not want to do if you find your key is trapped – do not force the key out. If it is stuck and you do this, it is very likely that further damage is going to ensue, and this is not something you need. You could damage both the key and the ignition cylinder. There are some things you can try before calling an expert. Check them out in this article!
Make sure the position of your key is correct
This likely sounds obvious to you, but maybe you don’t have the key turned in the right spot. This could easily happen with a rental car, or if you are driving a friend’s vehicle that you are not used to. It could even happen with your own vehicle especially if there is wear and tear in the ignition cylinder. Maybe the key just isn’t in the correct position and that is why it feels stuck.
See if there is key damage
Have you recognized lately that there is a potential issue with your key? Maybe, for example, it doesn’t go into the lock smoothly or it doesn’t come out with ease. If you have too many things on your key ring, like a bottle opener, Coach key tag, several keys, a storage room key and so on, the weight can end up causing damage over time and it can impact parts such as the ignition cylinder. Many don’t think about this. And if you are guilty of using it to open items that you should not be using your key on, like bottles, it can eventually cause damage to the key. The end message is – use the key correctly and keep the items on your key ring to a minimum!
Is the wheel locked up?
This undoubtedly happens, and much of the time, the steering wheel itself happens to be the culprit in relation to the key being stuck. If you have a locked steering wheel, then you could have a few different possible problems on your hands – like a computer problem or it could be that the wheel just is not in the correct position. This is easy to fix, though. Merely turn the steering wheel to one side then to the other. Don’t force it, be gentle. Try gently pulling the key out as you are doing this. It might work in removing the key.
Is the ignition off?
Maybe the problem is that the ignition is not off entirely. This would leave your key trapped. So, double check before assuming you need expert help!
Note the parking position.
Will the vehicle not lock in the parking position? This does happen. If you are able to move the gearshift lever so it is no longer in park once the car is off, then there might be a problem with the linkage.
Is the ignition cylinder itself damaged?
We went into this briefly earlier. The ignition cylinder could have sustained damage that is keeping the key trapped inside. You might, in this case, need an ignition cylinder change. Before assuming this is the case, see if there is dirt clogging the ignition cylinder. Wd-40 or lock dry lube might work or blowing compressed air inside. Things can get in there. But if all looks clean, keep in mind a locksmith will be able to assist you.
See if the battery has died.
Before calling an auto locksmith to come to your aid with regard to automotive lock and security concerns like a key being stuck in the ignition, there is one more thing you want to rule out - a dead battery. When the battery is dead, it means the anti-theft system is not working completely and so your vehicle might not realize the key being inserted is the key made for said vehicle. Speaking of a dead battery, if the key is stuck, do turn it so the car is off so you aren’t draining the battery. This would just be yet another issue you have to pay to resolve when it wouldn’t be necessary. So, turn the key so the car is completely shut off to avoid draining the battery.
If you went to remove your key to shut off your engine and noticed that once you turned it that it was stuck in the ignition of your vehicle, then you know that this is a frustrating situation. We very well understand that it can be very stressful. After all, you have places to go! If you have tried all the steps we mentioned to no avail, a quick phone call to a licensed and insured automotive locksmith to aid you might be all you need. We actually provide 24/7 service to locals so you won’t be stuck waiting around for hours on end if this problem is leaving you stranded or trapped. Outside our service area? Look for a locksmith by you offering auto services. We are confident you will find someone mobile who is willing to come to you. Now you know what to do when your key is stuck in the ignition! Just remember to stay calm – a solution is only a phone call away.
Quick Response Time. 24/7 Mobile Emergency Locksmith Service.
For immediate locksmith service, dial:
(952) 777-2001
Lakeville Lucky Locksmith accepts all major credit cards:
Lakeville Lucky Locksmith
24 Hour Locksmith20390 Dodd Blvd, Lakeville, MN 55044
Phone: (952) 777-2001
www.lakevillelocksmith.org
