What to Do if Your Car Key is Stuck in the Ignition

Our experienced locksmiths are going to share with you today what you should do if you’re facing this unfortunate predicament. By following the tips below, you’ll regain control of the situation and possibly save yourself a locksmith service call.

First off, it’s important to stay calm and collected, even if the situation occurs at the most inconvenient time possible. Whether you’re in a random parking lot or your own driveway, take steps to keep calm. Getting upset will only cause adrenaline to kick in and you may act irrationally, further damaging your key or the ignition cylinder itself. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself before proceeding. Ensure that your parking brake is set to on before you continue so that your vehicle doesn’t jolt forward. Then you can attempt the following measures to see if you can free your key on your own.

Is your car or truck’s ignition set to park?

Most modern vehicles have many safety features, including one involving your transmission that holds the key tight if the switch is set to anything but park. This prevents your key from dislodging at the wrong time. For older vehicles that have high mileage, the transmission may start to wear down, and so the settings might begin to slip out of place. Check closely to determine whether the ignition is actually set all the way to park and correct the issue if it’s not. Occasionally this is all that’s needed to free a stuck key, but if not, continue working through the following steps.

Is your steering wheel locked in place?

Another safety feature that most vehicles with manual transmission are equipped with is to lock the key in place when the steering wheel is engaged and active. If you applied pressure to the steering wheel, for example by pushing down, at the same time that you shut the ignition off, then the lock may still be engaged and the key won’t budge. This is a glitch that occurs more often on some models of vehicles than others, depending on how finicky your particular car is.

To determine if a stuck steering wheel is the cause of your stuck ignition key, use one hand to move the steering wheel from side to side, while using the other hand to turn the key in the lock. You may need to do this for several minutes with increasing force before the steering wheel snaps out of the locked position. Even if you manage to free your key using this method, you may want to have your vehicle inspected by a professional for any flaws that need repair.

Can you get the key out using force?

While you can use your hand, a pair of pliers or a similar tool would be more effective. Sometimes, a key can become stuck due to the metal teeth becoming bent, but the key can still be freed by using force. Grip the key as best you can and start by wiggling it back and forth, determining if there’s any give either way that you can leverage in your attempt to free the key. Then, using a good amount of force, twist the key to see if it will kick loose. You don’t want to overdo it, however, as the key might snap off in the lock, which is usually an automatic locksmith service call.

Always have a bent or damaged key replaced as soon as you notice something amiss. Otherwise, the risk of the key getting stuck is significant, whether you notice it having trouble before it gets fully stuck or not. Also keep your ignition lock cylinder lubricated at least once a year so that the mechanism turns smoothly.

Is there something in the ignition lock?

While it may be hard or even impossible for you to identify an obstruction that causing your key to stick, it can still be helpful to inspect your lock and key carefully. Use your smart phone’s flashlight and shine it around the lock, seeing if you can pick out any visible debris that’s trapped around the key, preventing it from moving. If you do notice an obstruction, use a small implement, such as a bent paper clip, to try to remove it. Take extreme care not to scratch your ignition lock. If you suspect an obstruction or damage to your ignition cylinder itself, contact a certified locksmith to assist you right away.

When You Should Call a Professional

If you’ve walked through the steps above and still either haven’t identified the cause or can’t repair it yourself, it’s time to call a locksmith. A qualified automotive locksmith can provide you with all manner of ignition cylinder and transponder key services at a fraction of the price of a dealership. In addition, a locksmith can come directly to you instead of you have to find a way to transport your vehicle, saving you time, money, and hassle. A mobile automotive locksmith has all of the appropriate tools and equipment to assist you with concerns related to your ignition lock cylinder, including replacement cylinder cores if the assembly needs to be swapped out.

Preventative maintenance can help you in preventing your key from getting stuck in the ignition in the first place. Inspect your key from time to time for visible damage or wear and tear, and have it replaced if you do notice a problem. Consider removing any key chains or unnecessary keys if your keep your car key on a ring, as these can weigh down the ignition cylinder significantly and cause damage to the pins and tumblers inside the lock.