How to Fix a Car Key that is Stuck in the Ignition

Dealing with a car key that is stuck in your ignition can be frustrating. It may inevitably slow you down when going about your day or getting to and from work. Luckily, there are some solutions you can try to help release your key quickly. In this article, you will learn how to fix a stuck key, as well as the role of your vehicle’s ignition cylinder and why your key may have become stuck in the first place.

Ignition Cylinders: Their Role when it Comes to Driving

Ignition cylinders sit just to the right of your steering wheel. The key slot you insert your key in is just the top portion of the ignition cylinder. The rest of the device sits tucked inside your vehicle’s paneling. When you insert your key into the slot, a series of wires and signals are activated, letting your vehicle know that the right key is in position.

Without a properly working ignition cylinder, you may not be able to drive your car. A variety of symptoms can occur when ignition cylinders break or are starting to wear down. A stuck key may be the result of a worn ignition cylinder or other problems with the wiring around it.

Why Your Key May Be Stuck

There are a few reasons why your key may be stuck in the ignition. Read about the three main reasons below and consider if one of these problems may be the source of your issue.

• Your Ignition Cylinder is Worn or Damaged

  If your ignition cylinder is starting to wear down or is damaged in any way, it is possible that releasing your key may be difficult. The wiring or signals near your ignition cylinder may be faulty and make it impossible for you to extract your key.

• Your Ignition Cylinder is Bent

  If you were recently in an accident of some kind, it is possible that your ignition cylinder may have been affected without you realizing it. It will be impossible to tell if your ignition cylinder is bent just by looking at the visible portion. However, you may be dealing with a bent ignition cylinder if you were able to insert your key, but not extract it.

• A Safety Feature Has Been Triggered

  Sometimes keys can become stuck in the ignition cylinder if the steering wheel locking mechanism and the ignition cylinder locking mechanism are triggered at the same time. This may happen right as you park and attempt to get your key out of the cylinder and is a fairly common occurrence. The easiest solution for this particular issue to gently try to extract the key while you wiggle the wheel back and forth. Make sure your car is in ‘park’ and don’t try to force the key out. With a couple of turns of the wheel, it is likely that you will be able to extract your key.

Solutions for a Stuck Car Key

It is important to note that you should never try to force your key out of the ignition cylinder. This could result in damage to your key, the ignition cylinder itself, or the paneling inside your vehicle. Forcing your key out of the ignition will only result in a higher bill when you inevitably will need to call a professional for help.

One of the simplest tricks you can try to extract your vehicle key is to wiggle the wheel back and forth while gently pulling on the key. If you have already tried this trick several times and are still having no luck, there may be a bigger problem with your ignition cylinder than just a safety mechanism that has been triggered.

Why You Might Need a Mobile Locksmith

Your best bet in this circumstance is to call a mobile locksmith. Since you should refrain from using force to extract your stubborn key, you may only have so many options to try before calling a mobile locksmith for help. Most of the time, you will find that moving the wheel back-and-forth will do the trick. However, it is possible that some drivers will require a more extensive solution in this circumstance.

Mobile locksmiths are a great resource for any driver that is experiencing issues with their locks and keys. Instead of calling a tow truck to take you to a mechanic or dealership to sort out your stuck key issue, a mobile locksmith can meet you right where you are. You will save both time and money by working with a mobile locksmith.

If you have tried several solutions to extract your key, but are still coming up short, go ahead and call a mobile locksmith in your area. Most mobile locksmithing services are available 24-hours a day, so you shouldn’t have a problem receiving the immediate on-site assistance you require. Call a mobile locksmith to have your stuck key predicament solved as soon as possible.