Keys can become lodged in the ignition due to the gearshift not being set to Park or a faulty release button. A steering wheel that is locked, a key positioned in accessory mode, or an old key can also contribute to the problem. Otherwise, you might have a worn-out ignition lock or a low battery.
Few things are more inconvenient than having your key stuck in the car’s ignition. The first thing one might do is try to yank it out, which can result in more issues, but cause even greater damage. This is why it’s crucial, before taking any measures, to figure out what the actual problem is.
This is exactly what we discuss in the following paragraphs. We outline the seven most common causes of why your car key might be stuck and also how to get it out of that position. After that, we will finally make sure all of your most burning queries are answered.
Reasons A Car Key Gets Stuck In The Ignition
There are a variety of reasons why the car key does not come out. Some of these reasons may apply to a unique problem with a make and model-specific vehicle. Nonetheless, the majority of the key sticking problems are the only cause that can occur in any make and model vehicle.
All that you need to do is make sense of these matters or problems to determine if a solution exists.
Top 7 reasons a car key stays in the ignition or the key gets stuck in the ignition.
#1. Parking Gear Not Set.
The gear of the transmission must be in ‘Park’ for any car key to be removed from the ignition.
In automatic transmission, if the gear is set to Drive, Neutral, or any other available gear, then the key does not come out. Manual transmission, ensure that the gear shifter is in a neutral position.
Sometimes the parking gear is not fully engaged with the shift lever. If your vehicle is equipped with a digital display showing the selected gears, verify that “P” is highlighted for confirmation.
#2. Steering Wheel Lock.
The steering wheel may lock itself if the car is powered off while in motion. This keeps the wheel stationary, but also prevents you from extracting the key from its slot within the ignition.
That moment the steering lock engages means the vehicle’s ignition cylinder is also locking. These two locks can be disengaged simultaneously by inserting the key in the ignition and rotating the wheel back and forth. Now, it will allow you to remove the key or start the engine.
#3. Debris on Key.
Car keys are useful for much more than just unlocking the car; some people enjoy cutting the opening of different packages, which are mostly secured by tape. While this does result in successfully opening the package, the tape residue could remain on the key.
If you insert the key in the ignition of your automobile while the tape is still affixed, it will make it more difficult for the key to move the pins of the ignition cylinder.
#4. Dead Battery.
The components of the ignition system must have power provided directly from the battery to work. If the battery is dead, the ignition system will probably freeze, and then the key cannot be removed from the ignition.
In this case, the remaining option is to wait for a new battery or a jump start to be installed. Otherwise, you would have to use a tack hammer to lightly tap the cylinder with it.
#5. Worn or Damaged Key.
Over time, there is no denying that a plethora of things will impact a car key. The simple act of inserting and turning the key in the ignition wears the key down incrementally.
When the key is not being used, it can be stored in a pocket or carelessly placed on top of a desk. Gradually, this will destroy the car key.
If the ignition key suffers even the slightest bend or fracture, it will become increasingly difficult to dislodge it from the ignition. You should replace the key if you notice the damage increasing.
#6. Damaged Ignition Cylinder.
If a car has an almost failed ignition lock cylinder, it might just stop you from taking out the key. This is due to several rows of an array of spring-loaded pins aligned with the internal structure of the ignition lock and matched with the outline of the key during opening.
The misalignment of these pins can complicate the process of key removal or insertion.
#7. Manufacturer Recall or TSB.
Though this occurrence is exceptional, your exact model and make of truck or car may have a recall or TSB that pertains to the ignition lock cylinder.
The status of your vehicle concerning recalls can be determined on the NHTSA website simply by inputting your VIN, and it is advisable to look up additional recalls or TSBs for information regardless of the check result.
How to Get a Stuck Key Out of the Ignition
The method of getting a car key unstuck from the ignition will differ based on context. Is this the first time you experienced this type of situation? Do you regularly have problems unlocking the key from the ignition? Is there a possibility that you have tried and failed to remove the key in the first place? What you need to do for every case is provided below.
Key Stuck in the Ignition (1st time)
#1. Set Parking Gear.
The gear lever in most cars is a rotary switch, and the key lock can be removed only when the car is placed in gear or park.
Ensure your gearbox lever is in “P” position for “Park” if you are using an auto gearbox, or the shift lever is set to “Neutral” for manual vehicles.
#2. Unlock the Steering Wheel.
Your key is stuck in the ignition because the steering wheel lock is engaged. Lately, when the steering column locks (which is a security and anti-theft feature) is used on many vehicles) It forces the ignition lock to become more stringent and makes removing the key impossibly difficult.
Rotating the steering wheel ever so slightly should relieve the pressure on the lock and allow for the key to come out. This is how to unlock the steering lock from the vehicle’s steering wheel:
- On the first attempt, simultaneously rock the wheel left and right while attempting to turn the key.
- If the steering remains stuck, try going to the Accessory position and turning the key.
- Keep turning the key to the switching position whilst continuing to shake the steering wheel until free.
#3. Check for a Dead Battery.
If the car’s battery is out of charge, it’s possible to cause the key to remain stuck in the ignition. To check if the battery is flat:
- To find out if the headlights are on, switch them on. If they are dim, then they are not working.
- Then attempt to jump-start the car if the headlights are dim or not functional.
- If the vehicle starts, then the key will more than likely be able to be removed from the ignition.
Key KEEPS Getting Stuck in the Ignition
If you notice increased difficulty in placing the key and removing the key from the ignition, or the key gets stuck constantly, below are some steps that may address the issue.
#1. Lubrication.
If turning the steering wheel and checking the gear shift didn’t work, try using a lubricant as the next step. Put a small amount of lubricant on the key and place it in the ignition.
While trying to turn the key, gently shake it. This motion might dislodge some of the dirt or objects that are in the way.
If you don’t have lubricant, graphite powder from a pencil can also do the trick. This option is less messy and will still provide enough lubrication for key removal.
#2. Rubbing Alcohol/Adhesive Remover.
For an unbroken key with some dirt on it, grab some rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover and clean that key.
If removing the key using WD-40 did not work and you have already tried the two fixes from the previous section, the problem may be with the ignition lock.
Although we recommend talking to a locksmith or mechanic to confirm this, you may need to consider the possibility of having an ignition lock cylinder replacement in your future.
Key Broke Off in the Ignition
Let’s hope this hasn’t happened to you, but if it has, you aren’t alone. This typically occurs when too much effort is used in trying to pull out a key that is stuck. Here is what you can do.
WARNING: DO NOT try to put the broken top portion of the key back in the ignition in an attempt to pull the bottom piece out. All you will do is force the severed piece deeper into the lock and make your work harder.
#3. Use a Broken Key Extractor Tool
- Step 1: Turn off the engine and park your car. You must ensure the engine is off, the vehicle is set to park, the handbrake is engaged, and the car is stationary immediately after shearing the key.
- Step 2: Lubricate the lock. Apply some grease spray to the locking mechanism.
- Step 3: Slide the key extractor tool into the lock. Insert the broken key extractor tool into the lock with the hook end facing upwards.
- Step 4: Turn the extractor tool. You should feel an end; this indicates the lock cylinder’s limit. Carefully turn the extractor tool in the direction of the key’s broken edge.
- Step 5: Pull the extractor tool out. Gradually draw the extractor tool toward you, trying to snag the lower lip of the hook on a key notch. If successful, continue pulling until a fragment of the broken key emerges from the cylinder. If not successful, continue attempting to pull out the fragment.
- Step 6: Pull out the broken key. You may withdraw the entire key using needle-nose pliers, as you have already removed a portion of the key from the lock cylinder.
#4. Jigsaw Blade.
Due to the slender nature of a jigsaw blade, it can most often slide into the space next to the key in the ignition channel. After placing the blade, a slight rotation to set the saw’s notches should allow the broken key to be retrieved.
- Step 1: Apply some lubricant to the lock cylinder. Spray some lubricant designed for locks into the lock.
- Step 2: Insert the blade into the lock. Grab the hand jigsaw blade and gently insert it into the lock cylinder.
- Step 3: Extracting the blade from the lock. Turn the hand jigsaw blade in such a way that it faces the key and attempt to snag the blade on one (or many) teeth of the key. The jigsaw blade will only stop moving when it has been completely pulled out of the lock cylinder. You have now reached the end of the lock cylinder. Carefully try to pull the jigsaw blade out of the lock.
- Step 4: Remove the rest of the broken key. The remains of the broken key should be poking out of the key cylinder. Using your needle nose pliers, you should be able to completely expose the broken key.
#5. Needle Nose Pliers.
Should this attempt fail, you may resort to using a pair of needle-nose pliers to extract the key. They are the best tool for this purpose as they will allow a strong grasp on the key as it is pulled from the ignition.
Should this need to be done, make sure the jaws of the pliers are cushioned with soft cloth or tape to avoid scrapes or marks on your key.
Pull the key straight from the ignition after grasping it firmly with pliers that have been previously covered.
Professional Help
Contact a Locksmith
Removing keys from the ignition system can be done using automotive locksmith services, which are good alternatives to DIY methods. An expert in automotive locksmithing comes equipped with the required tools, skills, and experience to effectively and safely detach broken keys locked in the ignition system of your car.
They put in years of training and practice into mastering every possible locking mechanism. Their efforts guarantee that your vehicle is irreversibly protected.
These are some of the services that automotive locksmiths offer:
- Key extraction: Broken ignitions are no longer a problem due to the expertise of locksmiths who can carefully undo them without any needless damage.
- New key creation: The locksmith then proceeds to design a new key compatible with the locks of your vehicle after the previous key was removed.
- Lock repair: The locksmith may need to fix the lock and/or replace it for the key to operate smoothly.
Manufacturer Recall
Please verify whether your manufacturer has issued a recall notice regarding the problem with your ignition because that would be quite useful. Recalls of vehicles are performed when a manufacturer has discovered an issue concerning safety or a non-compliance with set regulations.
If such a recall exists, you can have the problem resolved without incurring any expenses. Check with the NHTSA website or your local dealership if recall services are provided on your vehicle, as mentioned previously.
Technical Service Bulletin
A TSB may also assist you in providing solutions for the key stuck in the ignition problem.
These documents serve as recommendations from a company to its clients, in this case, its dealerships or repair shops, to enable them to resolve specific difficulties.
It does not constitute a recall, but it demonstrates that the manufacturer is willing to assist, although it does not guarantee resolution.
Preventing a Stuck Key
You may ask how to eliminate the possibility of a key getting stuck in the ignition. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of the event.
- Using the appropriate type of key means that a car owner should always check and verify that the correct key is being used. The use of an incorrect key can lead to problems such as jamming, which can lead to the key getting stuck. Make certain that you check your keyring for the right key before inserting it.
- Do not forcefully turn the ignition key. The engine should start by gently twisting the key. Too much force can not only break the key but also harm the ignition cylinder.
- The ignition and the key should be free of any dirt. Occasionally, dirt and dust can accumulate in the ignition and cause the key to lock. An effective method of removing the dirt is to apply WD-40 to the key and insert it into the ignition. By turning the key a few times, any dirt inside can be removed.
- The lock and steering wheel should be properly aligned. The steering wheel can make it easier to remove the key from the ignition without causing damage.
- The gear selector should always be set to “park” before the key is pulled out.