Reasons why your key gets stuck and how to solve this problem

Although it is undoubtedly annoying to have to experience any of this, it’s best to gain some knowledge about it. If you’ve already experienced having your key stuck to your ignition in an emergency, then you know how annoying it is to run into this kind of scenario.

Have you experienced your key stuck to your ignition in an emergency?

Today, Philkotse.com is listing down the reasons why your key gets stuck in the ignition. We will also be sharing a bit of know-how in regard to solving these problems or even avoiding them.

What you need to keep in mind

Before everything else, know that you should never attempt to get your key out using brute force. If you accidentally use too much force, you can end up breaking the other half of the key.

It will then be left stuck in the ignition, which can cause more problems for you. A car key should easily slip off from the ignition once it's rotated counterclockwise completely. In some cases, you will also need to push the car’s key release button.

If the car key still hasn’t come out of your car’s ignition, you will need to determine its possible cause. This, however, can vary depending on tons of factors. A possible cause of this problem can originate from a unique feature or design of your vehicle model and make.

Know that you should never attempt to get your key out using brute force

>>> Also good to know: How to protect your car from keyless entry hack

1. The parking gear is not set

Your gear’s transmission should always be on “Park.” Always keep it this way before you attempt to pull your car key from your vehicle’s ignition.

When it comes to vehicles with automatic transmissions, the key won’t release if the gear is on the drive. It also won’t work if the gear is neutral or any other gear. In the case of manual transmission vehicles, always leave the gear shifter on Neutral.

Your gear’s transmission should always be on “Park.”

2. Steering wheel lock

If you turn the vehicle off while you’re moving your steering wheel even just a little bit, its steering wheel lock becomes activated. This won’t only prevent you from swinging the wheel. You also won’t be able to pull your car key from the ignition.

This is because of the ignition cylinder. It locks just at the same moment when the steering wheel locks. To release the two locks at the same point, you need to turn the car key while wiggling your steering wheel.

This should let you pull the car key out or start the car engine – whichever you wish to do.

If you turn the vehicle off while you’re moving your steering wheel even just a little bit, its steering wheel lock becomes activated

>>> FYI: Quick & easy guide to unlock your steering wheel

3. Dirt on the car key

If you’re not this type of person that we’re about to mention, then good for you. Some people have a habit of using their keys to do certain tasks in their day-to-day routines.

For example, some use their car keys to tear through the tape to open packages and boxes. Though a car key can be effective at this task, you may end up having pieces of tape stuck to your key.

Dirt on the keys may restrict it from engaging the ignition’s cylinder pins

If you use your key to start your car with the tape still attached, you may have a hard time accomplishing your goal. The tape may restrict the key from engaging the ignition’s cylinder pins.

4. A dead battery

Your car’s ignition system is just like any other electric-powered system in your car. It will depend on the car battery for power. If your car battery dies, your ignition system will most likely lock up. If that is the case, you will have a hard time getting your key out of the car’s ignition.

You will have two options here, but both will take some effort from you. You can either jump start your car or add a new battery. You can also consider using a tack hammer by gently tapping your vehicle’s cylinder with it.

If your car battery dies, your ignition system will most likely lock up

>>> This is how you can diagnose your car's dead car battery

5. A damaged or worn out key

Your car key will most likely be used over and over again. And if you use it, poke things or rip tape apart, the damage it may sustain can double.

The damage on your car key can vary depending on the conditions you put it through. If you’re not using your car key, try to keep in your pocket and void, throwing it onto hard surfaces. Repeatedly hitting your key against hard surfaces will eventually damage them.

If there’s suddenly a bend or a crack in it, you will have a harder time removing it from the ignition

If there’s suddenly a bend or a crack in it, you will have a harder time removing it from the ignition. Once you start seeing obvious cracks and damages in your key, have a duplicate made immediately. The damages in the original key will eventually get caught in the ignition.

>>> Recommended for you: The best ways to troubleshoot your broken key fob

6. Damage in the ignition cylinder

Another factor that can prevent your car key from being removed from the ignition is a damaged ignition cylinder.

If you’re already aware that the ignition lock cylinder in your car is failing, have this checked out by a professional mechanic. Inside the ignition lock, there are pins that are loaded with springs.

Another possible reason for this situation is a damaged ignition cylinder

These match accurately with the shape of your vehicle’s key after you insert it. If any of these pins are out of its original alignment, you may have a hard time pulling your key out. It may also block your key from fitting into the ignition if you never had it inserted in the first place.

7. Manufacturer recall

You might be surprised but car recalls are reasons too. In fact, this is a rare occasion. But it can happen that a particular model, year and make of a car is subject to mechanical defects. 

If this is the case, make sure you know how to deal with car recalls and please do not try to turn on the ignition by force.

Remember you will most likely be contacted by the dealership where you bought your vehicle or at least hear an update on the local news. So until then, just sit back and wait!