What to Do If Your Car Key is Stuck in the Ignition
While most new vehicles on the market feature keyless entry systems, many cars on the road still utilize traditional lock hardware on their doors and ignition system. Locks and keys have many drawbacks in comparison to keyless entry, one of which being the risk of getting your car key stuck in the door or, more worrisome, the ignition lock. If your car key has gotten stuck in your ignition, read on to find out the best process for resolving the situation.
First, it’s best to take a deep breath and assess the situation. Avoid overreacting by panicking and yanking at your car key, which could cause damage to the ignition lock mechanism. If your car key won’t come out of the ignition, it’s important to get to the root of the issue to properly resolve the problem.
Causes of a Stuck Key (and How to Fix Them)
Issues with the Key
More often than not, the reason for your key sticking in the ignition lock is because of the key itself. Our keys go through a lot of use over the years, and over time this can cause the teeth on the key to begin to bend, warp, or become jagged. Sometimes this can get so bad that it causes your key to get stuck in the lock. If this has happened before but you were able to jiggle the key out that can sometimes make the situation worse in the long run by bending the key further. The first time your key shows any difficulty being used or removed from your lock, seek a replacement.
If your key is already stuck due to being bent, try to gently wiggle the key back and forth without using much force. Manipulating the key in this manner can sometimes free it. Too much force can damage the lock or even cause your key to break off in the lock, so it’s best to use a gentle hand. If the key does not come loose, move on to the steps outlined below.
Issues with the Lock
With all the daily use that they see, dirt and dust can find their way into the lock and then become compacted when you use the key. Using a small implement such as a straightened paperclip or bobby pin, poke around the key in the cylinder to try to kick some of this loose if you think it may be the culprit. Sometimes this can make the problem worse by wedging the obstruction in further, however, so exercise caution.
The wafers inside of an ignition lock cylinder can become damaged over time, especially if they have a defect from the manufacturing process. There’s usually no outward sign of this until you start having problems with your key sticking. If this is the case in your situation, a call to a locksmith company, such as Locksmith Blaine, is in order.
Issues with the Ignition Cylinder
When you insert your key into your ignition lock, it fits into a piece called the ignition cylinder. This is comprised of a cylindrical apparatus with a locking mechanism that sends a signal to your engine to start when the correct key is inserted. One safety feature on certain vehicles automatically locks your steering wheel into place when the key is removed. One cause of your key sticking in the ignition lock is that your ignition might be in the wrong position for removal. Most vehicles have a safety features that does not allow the key to be removed unless your car is in park. If your key is turned just a little too far forward, it won’t be able to be taken out of the lock. Check to make sure that this is not the case before proceeding.
Sometimes, the steering wheel gets locked into place when the key is still inside the ignition, either due to wear and tear or a mechanical flaw. To test to see if this is the problem in your case, rapidly move the steering wheel back and forth with one hand while using the other hand to turn the key. If this is the cause of your key getting stuck, it will often kick loose after a minute or two.
Sometimes the problem comes down to a battery issue, especially if your car battery is dead. Vehicles that have complicated ignition systems may fall prey to this problem. Test if your battery is dead to see if this is the problem.
If You Can’t Remove the Key
If, despite your attempts, you are unable to remove your car key from your ignition lock, your next step should be to call a reputable local locksmith. A professional locksmith has the tools, knowledge, and experience to remove your stuck car key in the least damaging and most efficient way possible, as well as the ability to fix any issues that caused the situation to begin with.
Prevention Tips
It’s best to take preventative steps to avoid your car key getting stuck in your ignition if it hasn’t happened yet. If, however, you are dealing with a stuck car key, following these steps can help you avoid having a repeat of the situation once it’s resolved the first time.
- If your key is damaged or bent, replace it as soon as possible. Using a bent or warped key greatly increases the risk not only of getting your key stuck, but also of damage to the pins or tumblers inside the lock mechanism.
- Always have a spare key made for any important key you have.
- Inspect your ignition lock occasionally for any damage or dirt. If you notice any problems, have it replaced ASAP.
By taking preventative measures, you can avoid having to deal with getting your key stuck in your ignition lock. No one enjoys having to deal with an emergency lockout situation, and by preparing beforehand, you can avoid one being caused by a stuck key.