Car keys can sometimes get stuck in the ignition. It can be an extremely frustrating situation, especially when you have to go somewhere important. However, it is not a problem you can’t fix on your own. There are ways to take out the car key stuck in ignition without wasting a lot of time.
This guide covers five effective methods to take out a key stuck in the ignition lock.
5 fast solutions to take out a car key stuck in ignition
The first thing you need to do is relax as panicking won’t help. Then, try any of the following five methods to remove a stuck key.
1. Ensure your car is turned off
Many times a car key gets stuck in the ignition because the driver forgets to turn off the vehicle properly. Start with the basics when the key gets stuck: check if your car is still running, switch it off properly and then try to remove the key from the ignition. Drivers often don’t fully rotate the ignition cylinder when turning off their vehicle in haste. The car is technically still on in this case and your car key can get stuck in the ignition. Rotate the key and turn the car off to easily remove the key.
2. Ensure the gear is in parking position
When driving automatic cars, make sure the gear lever is in the park or neutral mode. All automatic cars come with a safety feature that locks the key in the ignition if the gear isn’t in ‘P’ or ‘N’ position. This saves your car from possible accidents. For instance, if a person forgets to take the car key out of the ignition while the vehicle is on a slope or a ramp, the possibility of an accident is quite high.
Therefore, if you left your car unattended, came back and realized the key is stuck in the ignition, change gears. Bring the gear to parking and then take the key out of the ignition. For manual cars, make sure the gear is neutral.
3. Unlock the steering wheel
If you try to move the steering after turning off the car, the steering wheel lock activates. Not only will this prevent you from steering, but might also not let you pull the key out of the ignition hole. Though this is great for safety, drivers might get unnerved and feel there is something wrong with the key ignition hole.
Nevertheless, you can safely remove the key by unlocking the steering mechanism. All you have to do is move the key clockwise and simultaneously twist the steering wheel clockwise and anti-clockwise. Soon the steering lock will unlock and you can safely take out the key stuck in the ignition.
4. Check if the battery is dead
A weak car battery can also get your car key stuck in the ignition. Remember, much like other components of a vehicle, the ignition system also needs power to operate properly. A simple solution to this problem is to work on the battery issue and get it up and running.
You will have to either jumpstart the battery or replace it with a new one. Once done, try to take the key out of ignition without applying too much force. Be careful and patient. Continuously pulling the key out of the keyhole while the battery is dead can break the key or damage the ignition cylinder.
5. Lubricate the ignition lock cylinder
Another effective method to remove a stuck key from the ignition is to lubricate the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition cylinder is made of mechanical components such components need lubrication from time to time. There are metal pins in the locking mechanism that slide over the key to identify if it’s the correct one, but the metal on these pins can wear out. As a result, the keys get stuck in the ignition.
To avoid this problem, lubricate the ignition lock cylinder with a dry graphite spray like WD-40 regularly.
Why do keys get stuck in ignition?
The following are some common reasons to your car keys getting stuck in ignition.
Heavy keychains
A keychain full of different keys along with the car key or a keychain made of metal or anything heavy can cause wear in the key ignition cylinder. While you drive this key stays in the keyhole and the keychain hanging with it acts like a pendulum putting excess force on the key itself.
As a result, the key grinds on the pins in the ignition cylinder – and this continuous grinding makes up for increasing wear and tear over time. To avoid this problem, use a smaller keychain.
Dirty key
Dirty keys are also why car keys get stuck in the ignition. Car keys, like any other object, collect dirt if not cleaned on a regular basis. Forcing car keys covered with grime and dirt in the ignition hole can misalign the pins over time. Use a sanitiser and wipe off the keys from time to time.
Worn out key
Car keys fall on the floor all the time, sometimes you even step on them only to realize that you’ve dropped them. With time, the key teeth start showing signs of wear and tear. It’s best to replace the car keys before they wear out to much and get stuck in the ignition lock.
Ignition switch problem
The car key might also get stuck when there is an ignition problem. Here is a complete guide on diagnosing and repairing ignition switch problems.
FAQs
How to take a stuck key out of ignition?
You can remove a stuck key from the ignition with different methods, common ones include checking if your car is switched off properly, bringing your gear to parking or neutral mode, unlocking the steering wheel, checking the battery and lubricating the ignition lock cylinder.
What is the reason for car keys to get stuck in ignition?
Common reasons for getting your car key stuck in ignition include driving around with a heavy keychain or using a key that is worn out and dirty.
How much force should I apply to pull out a car key stuck in the ignition?
You should not try to pull out the keys forcefully – if you cannot remove the key from ignition after going through all possible solutions, get help from a professional.
We mentioned some common DIY fixes for taking a stuck key out of the ignition. However, if the problem persists, you might need to replace the ignition lock cylinder. You can go through a list of auto accessories and parts on dubizzle to find the right kind of ignition lock for your car.
However, if your car constantly faces mechanical issues including ignition lock failures, it’s the ageing factor taking a toll on your vehicle. In such a scenario, it is sensible to buy another car in better condition, instead of spending a huge chunk of money on repairs. Here’s a list of economical used cars:
- Used cars for sale in Dubai
- Second-hand cars for sale in Sharjah
- Used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi
- Second-hand cars for sale in Ajman
Stay tuned to UAE’s top car blog for more car DIYs and tips.
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