Here’s What to Do When Your Key Is Stuck in the Ignition

If you are able to drive then you have far more freedom than someone who does not. However, driving doesn’t come without its fair share of problems. In fact, since a vehicle is mechanical, they sometimes experience problems that you never even knew about. When you are not having your vehicle routinely serviced, you are more prone to experience mechanical issues. This is the same when it comes to making sure you keep up your vehicle maintenance.

If you don’t, there will be consequences. If you have a problem with your key getting stuck in your ignition, this could be a direct result of your not having routine maintenance performed on your vehicle. While we are not saying that this is always the case, more times than not, it is the case. However, no matter how or why you might find yourself in this situation, rest assured that there are some things that can be done to remedy the situation.

Just note that even if your key looks fine, it may not be. There are some things that we are unable to see with the naked eye, such as a bend in the key. However, a trained eye is able to detect these small flaws in your key. Unfortunately, it is something as simple as a bent key that cause your key to become stuck in the ignition. When this happens to you, perhaps doing the following will enable you to effectively and quickly removing your key from the ignition.  

• Evaluate the Gears – If your gear isn’t in the PARK position then it will make it difficult for you to remove the key from the ignition. You will not be able to turn the key at all if it is not in the right position.  
• Loosen Up the Key – You could easily get the key out by just wiggling it back in forth very gently. Never twist too hard because this could cause the key to break off in the ignition, causing the problem to become worse.  
• Evaluate the Vehicle Dashboard – Even if it looks like the gear is in the correct position, still look at the dashboard to see whether or not it shows that it is in the PARK position. If it does not then this is likely why you are unable to remove the key.

When you have the vehicle turned off, then these are the things that you should do to remove the key from the ignition:  

• Check the Position of the Key – When your vehicle has an older cylinder and you have incorrectly inserted the key, it could easily become stuck. 
• Check the Vehicle Battery – Now this is actually the first thing that our locksmiths will check if you contact us for help. That is because this is one of the biggest reasons why a motorist is unable to remove the key from the ignition. If you have a dead battery then it will be difficult for you to remove the key from the ignition. You’ll have to have the battery jumped or a new one installed.
• Gently Loosen the Key – Again, gently wiggling the key back and forth in the ignition is a great way to safely get the key out.