Have you ever been annoyed by having a key caught in your car’s ignition? It’s a common problem, but the good news is that you can take a few simple steps to get it out.
The removal of a key trapped in the ignition will be covered in this article, so you can get back on the road as quickly and easily as possible. So whether you’re dealing with a jammed key or just a key that won’t turn, we’ll show you the right way to get it out.
What Is Key Stuck In ignition?
When a key is stuck in a car’s ignition, it can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. In many cases, the Key is unable to be turned or removed due to the pressure applied when the car is running, or the driver attempts to turn off the vehicle with too much force.
Other possible causes of a key being stuck in the ignition include a worn key, broken tumblers, or a faulty ignition switch. Regardless of the reason, it is important to safely and quickly remove the Key from the ignition to avoid further damage.
Why Would A key Get Stuck In The Ignition?
A Key getting stuck in the ignition can be caused by a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is dirt and grime build up on the Key itself. As time goes on, dirt and grime accumulate on the ridges of the Key, making it difficult for the lock to recognize it and turn.
And also dirt and grime can also build up in the ignition itself, creating an even greater resistance when you try to turn the Key. If you find yourself in this circumstance, you may want to take some time to clean your Key and the ignition to see if that will help.
Another possible cause of a Key getting stuck in the ignition is an issue with the lock cylinder. Over time, wear and tear on the lock cylinder can create a buildup of debris and dust inside the cylinder, which can cause the Key to get stuck when inserted. This issue can usually be fixed by taking apart the lock and giving it a good cleaning or replacing the lock altogether.
And lastly, a worn or damaged key can also cause a key to get stuck in the ignition. Worn keys tend to have smoother edges that don’t provide enough grip for the ignition to recognize and turn properly.
Similarly, if a key has been bent or damaged in some way, it won’t fit correctly into the lock cylinder and will get stuck. In these cases, it’s usually best to just replace the Key altogether.
About Key Stuck In The Ignition With Car Running
It may be very risky and stressful when a key becomes caught in the ignition while the automobile is running. This is because it usually results in the automobile remaining in an open loop mode, which could result in the engine still running even with the ignition off.
To make matters worse, if the Key is left in the ignition for an extended period of time, it can also potentially damage the steering wheel column, which could end up costing you a lot of money.
If you have ever experienced this issue, the first step is to turn off the ignition switch as soon as possible. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to remove the Key from the ignition in order to disable the power. To do this, locate the power source in your vehicle and disconnect it.
Once you’ve done that, you can use a pair of pliers to grip onto the Key and then gently pull it out. It is important to remember that removing a stuck key is a delicate process and requires patience. If done incorrectly, you could potentially cause more damage to your vehicle.
Once you have removed the Key, you should take it to a qualified mechanic or locksmith who can inspect and replace the Key if necessary. In order to avoid this from happening again, you might also want to think about getting a new key made.
Ultimately, when dealing with a key stuck in the ignition while the car is running, it is important to remain calm and think through all of your options before attempting any drastic measures.
About Key Stuck In The Ignition On Position
When a key is stuck in the ignition, it usually happens when the Key is in the on position. This is because the ignition has an internal mechanism that locks the Key in place when it is in this position.
If you try to turn the Key while it is in the on position, the internal locking mechanism will engage, and the Key will become stuck. This can be very frustrating and can cause the car to become immobile.
In order to get the Key unstuck, you should first turn off the car and remove the Key from the ignition, and next, you can try to wiggle the Key gently while pulling it out of the ignition. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use some lubricant or a graphite lubricant to help loosen the Key.
Once you have applied the lubricant, try to pull the Key out again while wiggling it gently. If the Key still doesn’t come out, then it may be time to call a professional to get your Key unstuck from the ignition.
It is important to take caution when dealing with a stuck key in the ignition, as you do not want to damage the internal mechanisms of your car or cause any further damage. If you are uncomfortable removing the Key yourself, it is best to contact a professional for help with removing your stuck Key from the ignition.
Also Read: Where Is The Power Steering Reservoir Located?
Step To Take In Removing Key Stuck In Ignition
The first step in removing a key stuck in the ignition is to try wiggling the Key. Try gently pulling the Key up and down, as well as side to side, if you can hear the ignition cylinder turning, and you may be able to get the Key out by jiggling it.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a locksmith, who can use specialized tools to help remove the Key from the ignition.
If you don’t want to call a locksmith or if that’s not an option, you can also try using some soap. Apply a thin layer of soap around the edge of the Key, and then try wiggling it out again. The soap may act as a lubricant, making removing the Key from the ignition easier.
And lastly, if all else fails, you can try using a key extractor tool. These tools are designed to help remove keys that are stuck in ignitions.
They usually have an adjustable hook or claw at one end, which can grip the Key and pull it out. It’s important to use caution when using these tools as they can damage the ignition cylinder if used incorrectly.
However, below are the steps to follow while trying to remove the Key stuck in the ignition
- Ensure your car is off and the Key is not in the “on” position. This will ensure that there is no power running through the system while you’re attempting to remove the Key.
- Take a small screwdriver or any other narrow object, such as a paperclip, and insert it into the small gap between the Key and the ignition cylinder. Gently move the screwdriver around until you feel it catch on something. This could indicate that the tumblers are beginning to move, allowing for more movement on the Key itself.
- Now, try wiggling the Key back and forth gently but firmly in order to loosen its grip on the tumblers inside the ignition cylinder.
- As you’re doing this, continue to press the screwdriver into the gap, helping further loosen the tumblers and making it easier for the Key to come free.
- Once you’ve been able to work the Key loose enough, you should be able to easily pull it out of the ignition. If you still find yourself having trouble getting the Key out after trying these steps, calling a locksmith would be your best bet.
- A locksmith would know exactly how to proceed safely and quickly removing the stuck Key without damaging the ignition or yourself.
- Furthermore, a professional service like those offered by a locksmith would guarantee successful extraction with minimal effort.
- Additionally, some auto repair shops offer services like the removal of broken keys from ignitions, so they may be worth checking out as well.
- Before resorting to extreme measures such as drilling the Key out, remember that, most likely, there is an easy way to remove the Key without causing damage to the vehicle or yourself.
FAQ
How Does One Unlock A Stuck key?
If you find yourself with a key stuck in your ignition, there are a few steps you can take to try and unlock it on your own.
The first step is to check and make sure all of your doors are locked. Sometimes the Key gets stuck in the ignition because the door was left open. If the doors are closed, then you will need to try some other methods.
Another way to try and unlock the Key is to move the steering wheel back and forth in an effort to loosen it. This is best done gently and in short increments; if this method does not work, try jiggling the Key with your hand while turning it slightly.
A third method that may be successful is to insert a rubber wedge into the keyhole and gently push the Key out, and this may require some force, so be sure to proceed with caution.
If none of these methods work, it is best to contact a locksmith, and they have the tools and expertise needed to safely remove the Key from your ignition without causing any damage.
How Do I Get My Car Out Of Anti-Theft Mode?
If the light is still lit up, then it’s likely that your car has a second anti-theft mode. Try rotating the key back one click and waiting another 15 minutes. If that still doesn’t work, then it’s possible that your car has a third anti-theft mode.
In this case, you’ll need to turn the Key all the way back to the “Off” position, leave it there for 15 minutes, and then try turning it forward two clicks again.
Once the anti-theft light has gone out, your car is no longer in anti-theft mode, and at this point, you should be able to start your car normally. If not, or if the Key gets stuck again, then it’s likely that your Key is damaged or needs to be replaced.
Can You Use A Battery To Unlock Your Car?
Yes, it is possible to use a battery to unlock your car. Depending on the type of car you have, you can use a 9V battery or an AAA battery to unlock the car.
If you have an older car, you may need to locate the metal terminals, which are typically located on the back side of the door lock, and connect them together using a small flat-blade screwdriver. When done correctly, this should unlock the doors.
For newer cars, there are now wireless fob devices that you can purchase, which allow you to unlock your car remotely with just a push of a button. This eliminates the need to use a battery to unlock the car.
In order to avoid confusion, keep in mind that if your Key is stuck in the ignition and won’t turn, then using a battery will not help. The best option in this scenario is to contact a professional locksmith who can help you with unlocking your car.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a key stuck in the ignition, the best thing to do is to remain calm and try to remove it. Taking the right steps to get your Key out of the ignition can save you time, money, and stress.
There are a few solutions that you can try yourself, including applying lubricant, jiggling the Key, or removing any dirt or debris from the ignition. If all else fails, you might need to get in touch with a qualified technician or locksmith.
Knowing how to remove a key stuck in an ignition can help make sure you get back on the road as quickly as possible.