Do you own a Chevy Ride and find your car key stuck in the ignition, a Chevy Colorado, or a car model and make your own? I guess that’s why you’re reading this piece of article.
It can be very frightening to find yourself in such a situation. Do not panic, so you don’t end up breaking the key in the ignition, which could result in an expensive fix.
This article has provided sufficient information on what causes the car key stuck in the ignition and how to remove it. Let’s be concise and go straight to the point!
What is an Ignition Key?
The car key or ignition key is used to start the vehicle. The key ignition is used in the vehicle to rotate the ignition switch that makes a connection between the battery and the ignition system as well as other electrical units.
When the key is inserted into the ignition, it aligns a series of tumblers in a specific pattern, enabling the key to rotate and complete the ignition circuit.
This circuit subsequently provides power to the starter motor, which initiates the engine rotation. This process allows the spark plugs to ignite, ensuring the smooth operation of the engine.
Causes of a Car Key That Gets Stuck in the Ignition
There are a variety of reasons as to why your car key won’t come out. Some of these reasons may pertain to a unique problem in a specific make and model vehicle.
However, most causes of key sticking are universal and can happen in any make and model vehicle.
You just need to understand these causes so that you can figure out the solution to the problem. Below are the top 7 causes of a key getting stuck in the ignition.
#1. Parking Gear Not Set.
The gear of the transmission must always be set to “Park” before attempting to remove a car key from the ignition. In an automatic transmission, if the gear is set to drive, neutral, or any other available gear, then the key will not come out.
In a manual transmission, make sure the gear shifter is set to “Neutral” and not in any other gear.
Sometimes people may attempt to change the gear to park, but the gear doesn’t get set all the way over to it. If your vehicle has a digital screen which displays the gear settings, check that to ensure the “P” is highlighted.
#2. Steering Wheel Lock.
If you turn off your vehicle while moving the steering wheel just a little bit, the steering wheel lock will activate. Not only will this prevent you from turning the steering wheel, you won’t be able to pull out the key from the ignition either.
This is due to the ignition cylinder locking at the same time as the steering wheel lock. To release both locks at the same time, try turning the key while wiggling the steering wheel around. You should be able to take the key out now or start the engine.
#3. Debris on Key.
Some people like to open boxes and packages with their car key. While this might be effective at tearing through the box tape, it could also cause pieces of the tape to stick to the key.
If you were to then place the key into the ignition of your vehicle while the tape is still stuck to it, then it will be harder for the key to engage the ignition cylinder’s pins.
#4. Dead Battery.
The ignition system depends on power from the battery to function properly. If the battery dies, it will likely cause the ignition system to lock up. Then you won’t be able to get the key out of the ignition.
The best thing you can do here is to wait for a jump start or new battery to be installed. Either that or use a tack hammer and gently tap the cylinder with it.
#5. Worn or Damaged Key.
Car keys can take a lot of abuse over the years. Each time you put the key in the ignition and turn, it wears the key just a little bit.
When aren’t not using your car key, you may keep it in your pocket or toss it onto a hard-surfaced desk. This kind of abuse will slowly damage your car key.
If it ever bends or forms a small crack somewhere, then it will be tougher to remove it from the ignition. Replace the key immediately if you start noticing this damage.
#6. Damaged Ignition Cylinder.
If you have an ignition lock cylinder that’s on the verge of failing, it can prevent your key from coming out.
This is because there are several rows of spring-loaded pins inside the ignition lock which match up with the shape of your key when inserted.
If these pins are slightly out of alignment, it can prevent you from removing the key (or even inserting it in the first place).
#7. Manufacturer Recall or TSB.
While rare, there is the possibility that your particular year, make, and model of car or truck is subject to a recall or technical service bulletin (TSB) directly related to the ignition lock cylinder.
Needed Materials
To safely remove a stuck key from your car ignition, you will need the following materials:
A Pair of Needle-nose Pliers
These pliers will be used to grip and pull out the key from the ignition.
A Lubricant
A lubricant, such as WD-40 or graphite powder, can help loosen any debris or foreign objects that may be obstructing the key’s movement.
Spare Key (Optional)
If you have a spare key for your car, it may be helpful to use it instead of the stuck key. This way, if there is an issue with the key itself, you can still access and drive your vehicle without needing to remove the stuck key.
How To Get Key Out Of Ignition
As there are several reasons a car key gets stuck in the ignition, there are also a series of instructions on how to get the key out of the ignition. Let’s explore the guides below.
#1. Recharge your car battery.
As a dead battery can cause a car key to get stuck in the ignition, recharging the battery will free the key.
If you suspect a low-voltage battery or notice a repeated clicking when turning the key, recharge the battery to see if it is a low-voltage problem. You can jump-start the car with another battery or another vehicle.
#2. Shift the gear lever to park.
A common problem for a stuck key in the ignition is removing the car key without properly shifting the gear lever to the Park position.
If this is the case, ensure the shifter is in Park by wiggling it between Park and neutral position while stepping on the brake pedal, switching the ignition key backward, and pulling out the key.
#3. Unlock the steering wheel.
As alluded to above, a wheel lock is a safety feature that prevents the steering wheel from moving when the key is removed.
If the steering wheel locks with the key in the ignition, Try wiggling it back and forth while gently pulling out the ignition key.
#4. Spray lubricant in the ignition cylinder.
If the key is stuck due to debris, oil the lock with any spray lubricant. This can be challenging because the key is blocking the lock. You will need a spray lubricant straw to achieve this. An excellent example of such a lubricant is WD-40.
#5. Jiggle the ignition.
A proven method that has saved many folks is pushing the key into the lock cylinder with your left hand while jiggling the steering wheel with your right hand.
Jiggle the key and the steering wheel back and forth while depressing the brake pedal. This will likely pull out the key.
#6. Use the override function to remove the key from the ignition.
Most vehicles have an override function that you can use to remove stuck keys. First, locate the override function button.
The button is usually placed at the button of the steering column. Once you see the button, press and hold it.
While depressing the override button, return the key to the “off” position. The key should easily come out by now.
#7. Read fault codes.
Did all the steps above prove abortive? Get an OBD2 scanner to pull out all the trouble codes from related units to see if you have a fuse or shifter problem.
If you have a more advanced scanner, you can read trouble codes from the ignition switch and immobilizer.
#8. Check the safety key.
Many Japanese and American cars Are equipped with an ignition extra lock switch where you have to insert the key and press a button to turn the key freely and remove it.
Consult your owner’s booklet to ensure you’re not missing anything.
#9. Consult with the mechanic or professional locksmith.
If you have tried the above steps and none works, it’s time to consult your mechanic or professional locksmith. You don’t have many options left. Let your mechanic or locksmith take a professional look.
You likely have a failing ignition lock that needs replacement, or your immobilizer has integrated with the ignition switch and requires a reprogram after replacing the unit.
Fixes For A Key Sticking In The Ignition
Now that you are aware of the risks of not fixing a sticking ignition key, and have a better understanding of what is going wrong in your circumstances, it is time to find the solution. Some of this work you will be able to do yourself. Other instances will require a locksmith.
#1. Lubrication.
With a key sticking in an ignition, lubricant should always solve the problem, even if it only does so temporarily.
In certain cases, a key that seems hopelessly stuck can even be removed after applying a bit of lube to the keyway. Just be sure not to use an oil-based lubricant.
Regular lock maintenance with a proper lock lubricant can prolong the lifespan of a lock and key.
The reduced friction keeps metal from grinding too extremely, which means less damage every time the lock is cycled. (A cycle is when the key is inserted, turned, turned back, and removed.)
If the car ignition sticking continues to worsen and you find yourself constantly applying lube, it is a good idea to investigate other fixes.
Do not rely on lubricant if you are having trouble with the ignition as soon as a month between applications.
#2. New Key.
Getting a new car key is not going to solve any issues revolving around the lock. If there is blockage or damage to the ignition cylinder, this is not the solution for you.
Once you know you need a new key, the question is, where is the best place to get a new car key?
Can you just fix a broken key instead of replacing it? In the case of a sticking car key ignition, probably not.
Fixing a broken car key is more likely when it is a fob or remote than a metal blade. So you will need a key that can be copied or contact a locksmith to make without the original.
You may be able to have a professional service copy a broken key if it is intact enough to decode, but this is not a job for your standard hardware store key cutter.
If the key blade has worn down, copying will be even more difficult, but you can still get a fresh key made from the factory code.
#3. Ignition Repair.
Repair is either a partial replacement or extensive cleaning (beyond what lubrication provides). These types of repairs require the ignition to be taken apart for both diagnosis and servicing.
The process of figuring out what needs to be repaired will require you to know how a functional cylinder looks and operates.
Common forms of repair include deep cleaning and polishing, which would remove large amounts of rust and prevent future oxidation.
Once rust forms, it comes back very easily unless the metal is treated properly, so you need more than a vinegar solution or electrolysis.
Common parts to replace during repair are internal components such as pins, wafters, springs, tailpieces, etc. (The parts the key interacts with or move to actuate the cylinder.)
Because rekeying a car ignition is possible, it is often very possible to get your hands on these parts.
#4. Ignition Replacement.
A key sticking in the ignition may not seem problematic enough to warrant replacing the ignition, but as we have already discussed, the problem can get a lot worse.
If repair and lubrication are not doing enough, you need to replace the cylinder before it stops working altogether.
To know if you need ignition cylinder replacement, you can call a locksmith. A professional service will also ensure the work is done properly, so you can still drive your car. Without a functional ignition, almost nothing about the car will work, so don’t mess around.
If you are looking to have your current key and door locks match your new ignition cylinder, you may need rekeying services.
You can do this yourself if the internal components in the cylinder are intact and removable, but this is something that a locksmith can help with as well.
How to Prevent Your Car Key from Getting Stuck in the Ignition
Preventing your car key from getting stuck in the ignition is much easier than trying to fix the problem. Here are some tips to help prevent your car key from getting stuck:
- Always Park in the Correct Position: Make sure you park your car in the correct position, with the shift lever in the park and the steering wheel unlocked.
- Avoid Forcing the Key: Never force the key in or out of the ignition. If it’s not coming out easily, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
- Keep Your Key and Ignition Cylinder in Good Condition: Regularly inspect your key and ignition cylinder for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, have them addressed promptly.
- Don’t Overload Your Keychain: A heavy keychain can put extra strain on your ignition cylinder and make it more difficult to turn the key. Try to keep your keychain as light as possible.
- Use the Correct Key: Make sure you’re using the correct key for your car. Using the wrong key can damage your ignition cylinder and cause other issues.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your car key from getting stuck in the ignition and avoid the frustration and inconvenience of dealing with a stuck key.
How much does it cost to remove a key stuck in ignition?
The price to remove a car key stuck in the ignition can be from $90, If your car key has snapped off in the ignition then again will likely cost from $90.
The cost may increase on certain vehicle models such as VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Skoda) – removing car keys stuck in ignition MUST be carried out by an experienced auto locksmith.
If this type of work is not done correctly the bill could end up over $300.
FAQs.
Q: How much does it cost to get the key out of the ignition?
Getting a broken regular key out of ignition will cost $100 to $150, depending on how challenging the task is. Sometimes, it’ll be slightly more or less.
However, if the key in question is a transponder key, it will cost more because it is a more complex key that sends and receives signals from the vehicle security system.
They are designed with microchips that send signals to the car’s anti-theft sensors whenever they detect anything wrong.
Of course, these types of keys will attract more complex work and fees in getting them out of the ignition. Removing broken transponder keys will cost $250.
Q: How do you know if your ignition lock cylinder is bad?
Like most electrical and mechanical components in a car, a failing ignition lock cylinder (also known as ignition lock assembly) will give some signs to notify the driver that something is wrong with it. The symptoms are as follows;
- Challenge in starting the vehicle
- Car not starting condition
- Issues in inserting and removing the ignition key
- No noise from the starter motor
- Flickering dashboard lights
Q: How do you test an ignition lock cylinder?
Testing an ignition lock cylinder is as simple as ABC. If you notice any of the signs above, don’t conclude yet; carry out ignition lock cylinder test to confirm its working state.
Locate and open the fuse box beneath the steering wheel and pull out the starter signal fuse.
Inspect the metal strip on the fuse and ensure it’s not burnt or damaged. If burnt, replace it with a suitable fuse of the same amp.
Get your voltmeter and set the dial to volts. Connect the red probe on the positive battery terminal and the black probe to the car’s chassis or frame.
The meter reading should be around 12.6 volts. If it’s less than 12 volts, charge or replace the battery.
Insert the key into the ignition and crank the engine. If it cranks, you have a working ignition lock cylinder. If it doesn’t crank, but you hear a click when you turn the key to the start position, the ignition lock switch is also good.
But if it didn’t crank and did not make a click sound, you have a broken ignition switch that needs replacement.
Q: Can a locksmith get a broken key out of the ignition?
Regardless of the type of key you have, regular or transponder key, if it breaks inside the ignition lock cylinder, a good locksmith who knows his onions will get it out.
Q: How long does it take to replace the ignition lock cylinder?
Provided the individual or mechanic doing the replacement knows his onions and all necessary replacement parts are available, it will only take 30 to 45 minutes to install a new ignition lock switch.
Final word
Having seen the reasons for a key stuck in the ignition and how to remove it, you don’t have to panic whenever you see yourself in such a situation.
Suppose your car key is stuck in the ignition; try the above steps to remove it. The steps are as simple as ABC.
Don’t forget to contact your mechanic if all the steps prove abortive. In case of a broken key, I recommend getting a locksmith to professionally pull it out without causing more damage to the ignition lock cylinder.