A car key stuck in the ignition or when your car key doesn’t turn is a common problem that is usually easy to resolve. A stuck key is not the same as a broken key. Is your ignition key stuck in the ignition switch and the car won’t start? Don’t worry! This article describes how to remove a stuck ignition key from the ignition switch.
The dead battery of your car is one of the most common reasons for a stuck key in the ignition switch. The ignition key may also stuck due to some other reasons including a damaged ignition cylinder, a worn key, a locked steering wheel, dirt on the key, or the gear selector is not in Park.
If your car key is stuck in the ignition, remove it gently because it is not a major issue. On the other hand, if you are hyper or stressed, you cannot be able to remove the key easily. Sometimes, the key will be broken in the ignition.
If your key is stuck in the ignition, you will be eligible to put it out. But on the other hand, if your key doesn’t remove easily from the ignition, then don’t force it. This article explains the main causes of the stuck ignition key and how to remove it.
What is an Ignition Key?
The car key or ignition key is used to start the vehicle. The key ignition is used in the vehicle to rotate the ignition switch that makes a connection between the battery and the ignition system as well as other electrical units.
When the key is inserted into the ignition, it aligns a series of tumblers in a specific pattern, enabling the key to rotate and complete the ignition circuit. This circuit subsequently provides power to the starter motor, which initiates the engine rotation. This process allows the spark plugs to ignite, ensuring the smooth operation of the engine.
Reasons Why a Car Key Gets Stuck in the Ignition
The car key is used to start the vehicle. A car key should easily come out from the ignition when you completely rotate the key clockwise and anti-clockwise. But on the other hand, if the key doesn’t come out of the ignition, you will ask why my car key is stuck in the ignition switch.
The following are the major causes of the stuck key in the ignition:
- Car is in accessory mode
- Parking Gear Not Set
- Damaged Ignition Cylinder
- Steering Wheel Lock
- Worn or Damaged Key
- Debris on Key
- Dead Battery
1) Damaged Ignition Cylinder
In the car, an ignition lock cylinder is automatically installed for security reasons. So, if the ignition cylinder is damaged, then your key will be stuck in the ignition.
This is just because there are many lines of spring-compressed pins that match up with the pattern of your key when you insert it into the car ignition. So, due to this reason, the car key could be stuck in the ignition.
2) Car is in Accessory Mode
The latest vehicle models that contain traditional keys have an accessory mode. This mode can be accessed with a single turn from the off position, enabling drivers to use certain features without starting the engine. Some functions such as locks, power windows, and the radio of your car can still operate in accessory mode.
If you are using the accessory mode in your car and after that, you forget to remove your key in the accessory mode; this will not allow you to take your key out from the ignition.
3) Dead Battery
The battery plays a major role in running all electrical parts of the car. Similarly, the ignition system is dependent on the power of the battery. A dead battery is one of the major causes of ignition system lockup due to that the car key being stuck in the ignition.
The two useful solutions to this problem are jump-starting and the second one is the installation of a new battery.
Read More: How to Jump Start a Car?
4) Steering Wheel Lock
When you move the steering wheel slightly to turn off your vehicle, this action may activate the wheel lock. The disadvantage of the activation of this lock is that you will not be able to swivel the steering wheel.
The steering wheel lock will not allow you to take away your key from the ignition. The key is stuck because of the ignition cylinder locking which is activated at the same time as the steering wheel lock is activated.
If you want to overcome this problem and want to disclose both of the locks at the same time then turn your key and jiggle the steering wheel around at the same time. This process may help you to get out your key from the ignition.
Read More: How To Unlock Steering Wheel Without Key?
5) Contaminants on Key
Maximum people use their car keys to scratch the code. I’m feeling very weird explaining this thing that some people use the car key to throw out the ear dirt or to open the box tape through the car key.
In this regard, the tape will be stuck to the key due to that the key will be stuck in the ignition. Miss use of the car key may damage it.
6) Parking Gear Not Set
Always ensure that the transmission gear is set to “Park” mode before trying to extract the ignition key from the ignition switch. For vehicles with an automatic transmission, the key cannot be removed if the gear is set to neutral, drive, or other gear modes.
For manual transmission cars, confirm that the gear shifter is in “Neutral” mode and not engaged in any other gear.
Occasionally, some individuals might try to shift the gear to the “Park” mode, but it may not fully engage. If your car has a digital display indicating gear positions, verify that the “P” is highlighted to ensure it is properly set to park.
7) Worn Key
A damaged or worn ignition is one of the major reasons for your stuck key in the ignition. Your car key may be damaged over time.
When the driver puts the car key in the ignition and rotates it, the key wears a little bit. If your car key is not in your use, you must keep it in a safe place. If you throw it on a hard surface or table, then this may damage your key. This will slowly break the key, making it hard to remove it from the ignition.
When you notice small cracks on your key, you should change it immediately.
How to Get a Stuck Key Out of the Ignition
If your key is stuck in the ignition switch and you don’t know how to remove a stuck key from the ignition, follow the below-given steps:
- Recharge or replace the car battery
- Shake the gear selector
- Unlock the steering wheel
- Fix the trouble codes
- Jiggle the Ignition
- Check the safety key
- Spray lubricant in the ignition cylinder
- Contact a professional
1) Recharge the Car Battery
As we discussed above, a dead battery is one of the major reasons for a stuck key in the ignition switch.
If your key is stuck in the ignition because of a low battery, you should recharge your battery. Whenever the battery is low, the car has a system that indicates that your battery is turning low. So, notice it and recharge or repair the battery immediately. Then you will be able to take away your key from the ignition.
2) Shake the Gear Selector
To remove the key from the ignition switch, your vehicle needs to be in neutral or park mode. However, there might be occasions when the car does not acknowledge that it is in the correct gear. During such situations, carefully wiggle the gear selector, or reposition the gear in the “Park” mode as an alternative solution.
3) Unlock the Steering Wheel
As discussed above, the steering wheel lock is a security mechanism that restricts steering wheel movement once the ignition key has been taken out.
If your steering wheel becomes locked while the key is still in the switch, gently jiggle the wheel side-to-side as you carefully attempt to remove the key.
4) Read Trouble Codes
5) Set Parking Gear
If your key gets stuck in the ignition because you didn’t engage the parking gear while parking a car in a parking lot. So, if you want to get rid of this problem, then turn on the car, put it in parking gear, turn off the car, and take the key out from the ignition.
6) Jiggle the Ignition
Another way to remove a stuck key from the ignitor is to keep your right hand on the key and jiggle the steering wheel through the left hand.
Jiggling the key through the left hand and rotating the steering while clockwise and anti-clockwise also keep the brake pressed with your foot. In this way, the key will come out of the ignition switch.
7) Check the Safety Key
There have been many inventions in the century we are living in. There are multiple cars that have an extra ignition lock in which you insert the key and press the button to turn the key freely and remove it. Consult your user manual to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
8) Spray lubricant in Ignition Cylinder
If your car key is stuck in the ignition because of contaminants, use oil to the lock or lubricant spray to remove it. This is very difficult because the key is blocking the lock. For this, you need a spray lubricant straw. So, the most used full spray to solve this problem is WD-40.
9) Contact a Professional
If you have attempted the above points and nonfunctions. So now you need to consult a professional to get rid of the problem. This is an easy way to overcome this problem.
What to do if my key breaks in the Ignition Switch?
This will be a terrible situation if your key breaks out in the ignition. In this situation, you have only two options. The first and recommended choice is to hire a professional who will help you to get out your broken key from the ignition. And the second option is to use a key-extracted tool.
The important thing is that you need to have a look at your key before inserting it into the ignition. If it is damaged or has any dirt on it, then first clean or repair it. If it is not able to be repaired, then replace it with a new one. Because prevention is better than cure.
FAQ Section
How much does it cost to get the key out of the ignition?
If, unfortunately, you came across this problem and now need to overcome it. So, for this purpose, you go out and search for a mechanic. And the mechanic will charge according to the rate of your area. It is hard for me to tell you the exact amount that your mechanic may charge you to remove the stuck key from the ignition. But the average cost is from $70 to $250.
What to do if my key breaks in the ignition?
- A broken key in the ignition is the worst-case scenario. If your key breaks, firstly you need to stay calm.
- Don’t try to start your vehicle.
- Gently remove the broken pieces of your key from the ignition switch
- If broken pieces are hard to remove, then apply lock lubricant to your ignition switch.
- Carefully use the key extractor tool to remove the broken pieces of the key.
- If all the above steps are unsuccessful, contact a mechanic.
How do I know if my ignition lock cylinder is bad?
If you are noticing the following signs in your car, then take it seriously that your car may have a bad ignition lock cylinder.
- You may face a challenge in starting an automobile.
- If your car is not in the starting position.
- the key will be stuck in the ignition.
- When the starter motor creates no sound or noise.
- If the dashboard flashes of your car are twinkling.
How long does it take to replace an ignition switch?
It depends on your car model and the complexes of your car ignition cover. But normally, it takes 18 to 25 minutes to renovate the ignition switch. If you want to know the exact time, then track the time that your car takes for service.
Why does my key get stuck in the ignition honda?
- Car is in accessory mode
- Parking gear not set
- Damaged ignition cylinder
- Steering wheel lock
- Worn or damaged key
- Debris on key
- Dead battery
What is the function of Ignition switch key?
The primary function of the ignition key is to activate the ignition switch that ensures a connection of the vehicle battery to the starter motor and various electrical components. As the starter motor rotates, it subsequently initiates the engine, leading to the generation of power.
What is the function of Ignition switch?
The ignition switch is part of an assembly, or system, that includes the ignition lock cylinder. The entire mechanism is responsible for starting your car as well as providing power to specific areas of the vehicle, such as the electronic accessories, the ignition, and the engine.