Buzz
Get your key out & hit the road with these straightforward solutions
A key stuck in the ignition can leave your car unable to start, but don’t worry – this is usually an easy fix. Most of the time, the problem is simple to identify and resolve. With these practical tips, you’ll be back driving in no time. We also consulted Duston Maynes, an expert in automotive repairs, to share the best advice on what works, what doesn’t, and when you should call in a professional.
How to Remove a Key Stuck in the Ignition
If your key is stuck and refuses to budge, try gently turning it while simultaneously shifting the steering wheel. This action may release the lock on the steering column and free the key. In cases where the key is physically stuck, using a silicone-based lubricant made for electronics might help loosen it.
How to Fix It: Step-by-Step
How to Troubleshoot and Resolve a Stuck Key
Gently wiggle the steering wheel to see if the key comes loose. According to Maynes, this is the most common fix. Try moving the steering wheel back and forth in a calm, steady manner. At the same time, gently shift the key and attempt to pull it out. This could release the key.
- What causes this issue? Maynes explains, “When people exit the car, they often grab the steering wheel, and the pressure from the steering column pushes against both the steering gears and the ignition cylinder. This creates a pinching effect, keeping the key stuck.”
Make sure your car is in park or neutral if it's in gear. Check your gear shift. If the car is not in park (or neutral), switch gears. Then, attempt to remove the key. If the car is still on, switch to park before turning it off to see if that solves the problem.
- Maynes points out that older cars sometimes get stuck between gears, leading to the same issue. “Some cars have a ‘park-neutral’ switch. If the car's computer detects the switch hasn't fully moved to park or neutral, it will prevent the key from disengaging.”
- What causes this issue? Modern cars won’t let you remove the key if the car is in drive, as a safety precaution. Additionally, the ignition cylinder may lock while the car is in drive, preventing the key from being released.
Ensure the accessory mode is off if the electrical is active. Accessory mode is between “lock” and “on” on the ignition cylinder. Check if your key is in the accessory position (this typically happens when the car’s electrical system works but the engine is off). If it is, turn the key to the off position and try removing it.
- What causes this issue? When the accessory mode is engaged, the key completes a circuit that powers the dashboard. As a safety feature, the key cannot be removed while in this mode.
Jump-start the battery (or replace it) if there’s no power. If your car isn’t getting any power, the battery might be the culprit. Try jump-starting your car with jumper cables and a donor battery. If the car receives power, the key should release. If there’s no power at all, replace the battery with a new one to see if it solves the problem.
- Signs of a dead battery include malfunctioning electronics before the key issue, swollen battery, corrosion on terminals, or a battery warning light on your dashboard.
- Maynes mentions that if the battery is over 3-4 years old or if the car regularly faces extreme heat, the battery is more likely to fail. As he puts it, “The heat kills the batteries like no one’s business.”
- What causes this issue? In modern cars, a dead battery can freeze the ignition cylinder. Since the key is part of an electrical circuit, when the car lacks power, it locks to avoid electrical shorts or ignition damage.
Lubricate the key if it appears dirty or worn. If your key was dirty or seemed worn out before getting stuck, use a silicone-based lubricant made for electrical systems (like WD-40 or CRC) and spray a small amount inside the ignition. Wait for a minute and then try gently moving the key to see if it comes loose.
- Pro-tip: If you don’t notice any movement, dirt might not be the issue. However, if there’s slight change, keep spraying between the key and ignition. It should eventually come free.
- Once the key is removed, replace it.
- Avoid using regular WD-40 as it may damage your ignition's electrical components.
- What causes this issue? Dirt or debris on the key may interfere with the ignition cylinder’s tumblers, causing it to get stuck.
Gently reshape the key if it’s bent or misshapen. If you notice the key is deformed, try carefully adjusting its shape while it’s still stuck. If you manage to align it in a way that re-engages the tumblers, the key should come free.
- What causes this issue? Inside the ignition cylinder, small pins need to be pressed by the key to allow it to turn or be removed. If the key is misshapen, these pins may not engage, causing it to get stuck.
Contact a locksmith if the key refuses to budge. If all attempts to free the key have failed, calling a locksmith might be your best option. They can remove the key with ease, though you may need a mechanic to replace the ignition cylinder after removal.
- How much will a locksmith cost? Locksmith services to remove a car key generally cost around $150.
When It’s Time to See a Mechanic
If none of the previous solutions work, the ignition cylinder is likely faulty. After ruling out simple fixes like wiggling the wheel or jump-starting the battery, it’s safe to assume the ignition itself might be damaged, which can happen over time, especially with an older car. You’ll need a professional to inspect and repair it.
- It’s also possible that the solenoid is malfunctioning while the cylinder itself is still functional, though this usually doesn’t prevent the key from being removed.
- Another possibility is an issue with the ignition switch, which generally prevents the ignition from turning but doesn’t usually affect the removal of the key.
- Expect to pay around $250-300 for a new ignition lock cylinder.
Steps to Remove a Broken Key from the Ignition
If the key snaps, use pliers to extract the broken key. If the key breaks off inside the ignition, grab a pair of needle-nose pliers and gently grasp the exposed part of the key. Slowly pull it straight out of the ignition. You may need to try a few times, but with patience, the key should come loose.
- If the pliers aren't doing the trick, you can also try wrapping some wire around a groove on the key and pulling it that way.
- What if I can’t see the edge or the key won't come out? In that case, you will need to contact a mechanic, who can disassemble the ignition housing and steering column to retrieve the broken key.
- Warning: Avoid using magnets, glue, or screwdrivers. These tools can damage your ignition cylinder and make the problem worse.
