I understand how infuriating this can be. Imagine driving to your office and discovering that the key is stuck in the ignition hole. It's a terrible situation. You can't just leave your car unlocked and go on with your day. Don't panic, we'll do our best to help you:
Make sure the gear is in park for the automatic transmission,If you're driving a car with an automatic transmission, make sure the gear selector is in park or neutral.
Almost all modern cars have a safety feature that locks the ignition key if the glass is not in the P or N position. It prevents accidents if someone leaves the car unattended on a hill or ramp. An unmanned car driving in traffic can cause serious damage to pedestrians and other road users.
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| Car Key Stuck in Ignition - How to get the key out? |
I'm sure you're used to sliding the gearshift into P when you park. But it's easier to miss this small but important step in today's hectic life.so how to get keys out of locked car?
Ignition key stuck
Unlocking the steering wheel
Another anti-theft feature on cars in the steering lock. The steering rack locks if you try to turn the wheel while the key is not in the ignition position. And if you have the key inside the ignition, it will also lock inside.
To remove the key, you must first unlock the steering mechanism. To do this, apply clockwise pressure to the inserted key while moving the steering wheel clockwise and counterclockwise. You will find the point where the steering lock will release and you can now remove the key.
Checking the discharged battery
Modern cars depend on the battery to power various modules. The ignition system also needs electrical power to function properly. In a rare scenario, if your battery becomes weak while the key is inserted into the ignition, it can become stuck.
To remove the key, you must start the car or replace your car battery. You can also try tapping the ignition cylinder lightly with a small hammer to free the key.
Lubricate the ignition lock cylinder
The ignition cylinder is a mechanical component and it needs a little lubricant from time to time. The pins inside the locking mechanism slide on the key to see if it is the right key. This metal-to-metal sliding can wear out the key and the pins themselves.
The best lubricant to use for locks is a dry graphite lubricant. This is what most locksmiths recommend. Sometimes, dirt can also start to settle in the ignition cylinder. This acts as an abrasive and further increases wear.
WD-40 spray is ideal for cleaning this. Simply insert this straw of wd-40 at the keyhole opening and give 2-3 quick sprays to wash out all the debris. This also protects the metal surfaces from corrosion.
If the key is stuck, spray WD-40 into the keyhole and try to remove it. Additional lubrication will help free the ignition locking mechanism.
If all these efforts are in vain and the key is still stuck in the ignition, call a professional locksmith.
In the meantime, you can lock the car with a spare key.
Read also: What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Common Causes of Key Stuck in Ignition Hole
Excessive wear from a heavy key ring
We all like to have key chains on our keys. But heavy key fobs can cause wear inside the barrels. The key always stays in the keyhole while you drive.
But the key ring hanging from it acts like a pendulum and exerts a force on the key. The key then continues to grind on the pins inside the ignition cylinder. The constant grinding will cause extra wear and tear. So always opt for a minimalist key ring.
Dirt and grime on the key
Car keys can continue to collect dirt and grime over time. We drop it several times, open Amazon packages with it, the dirt and grime keeps accumulating. This causes the key to not fit perfectly into the lock set. Forcing a dirty key in and out can misalign the pins over time. And one day, the pin goes past the key and gets stuck. Use rubbing alcohol or an alcohol-based disinfectant to wipe the dirt off a dirty key. A cotton swab can be very handy for cleaning.
Corrosion inside the ignition lock
The key and ignition mechanism are made entirely of metal. Over time, corrosion can damage the lock set. This is also a good reason to spray WD-40 inside the keyhole from time to time.
Damaged Ignition Cylinder
Metal is a malleable material and wear affects the proper functioning of the ignition mechanism.
The main gig is the tiny spring-loaded pins that slip on the key when you insert it. Since the pins are delicate, they can be damaged if you are not gentle with them. Keeping the mechanism lubricated with dry graphite is excellent for its longevity.
Read also: Bad EGR Valve Symptoms
Worn out wrench
The wrench takes a lot of abuse. If the teeth of the key start to show signs of wear, it's best to replace it before it ever gets stuck in the ignition.
Preventive measures to keep the lock set in good condition
Be sure to spray WD-40 inside the keyhole every so often, every 6 months is fine. Dry Graphite lubricant also keeps the lock running smoothly.
Do not use the car key to cut the packing tape on courier packages. Turn the key gently and without much force inside the ignition.
But sometimes, even with all this, you may have problems with the lock. So keep a contact number for a good locksmith for emergencies. What to do if your car starts but won't start?