We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, listening to your favorite song on the radio, when suddenly you hear a loud “click.” You try to turn the key again, and nothing happens. You have got your car key stuck in the ignition. Don’t worry; these amazing nine tips will help you get it out immediately.
9 Easy Fix To The Problem Of Car Key Stuck In Ignition
1. Wiggle it out
If your car key is unfortunately stuck in the ignition, you should try to wiggle it out first. Sometimes, the key needs a little jiggle to get it loose. If this doesn’t work, try turning the steering wheel back and forth while you wiggle the key. This may help to loosen it up.
2. Lubricate the keyhole
If you have ever had a stuck ignition key, you know how frustrating it can be. The key may seem like it is impossible to remove, but there are a few tricks that can help. One of the simplest ways to remove a stuck key is to lubricate the keyhole.
This can be done with various substances, including WD-40 or graphite powder. Apply the lubricant to the keyhole and insert the key a few times to work it in. With any luck, the lubricant will help to loosen the key and allow it to be removed easily. If this does not work, don’t worry; other methods are left.
3. Use Pencil Eraser To Lubricate
One of the ways to fix a car key stuck in the ignition is to Use Pencil Eraser To Lubricate it. The best way to do this is to take the eraser and rub it around the keyhole in a circular motion. This will help to lubricate the keyhole and hopefully get the stuck key out.
4. Shift The Gear To Neutral
Many people have experienced the worst scenario of a car key stuck in the ignition. If this happens to you, one potential solution is to shift the gear into neutral. This may allow you to turn the key and start the engine. However, it is important to note that this will only work if your car has an automatic transmission.
Shifting into neutral will not release the key if you have a manual transmission. In addition, if you cannot shift into neutral, or if doing so does not release the key, do not force the issue. Doing so could damage the ignition and make the problem worse. Instead, seek professional help from a qualified mechanic.
5. Use Pliers
The next simplest method is to use a pair of pliers. Just grab the end of the key with the pliers and pull firmly. The key should come out easily. If the key is still stuck, try wiggling it back and forth while you pull.
6. Call A Tow Truck Or A Locksmith
If you’ve ever had a car key gets stuck in the ignition, you know how frustrating it can be. The key won’t turn; no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get it out.
One of the easiest and great solutions is to call a tow truck or locksmith. They have the tools and experience necessary to remove the key from the ignition quickly. In addition, they can also provide you with a replacement key if necessary. So if you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to give them a call. They’ll easily have you back on the road in no time.
7. Use Your Electric Ignition
If your car has electronic ignition, you can try a few things before calling a tow truck or locksmith. First, try turning off all of the electronics in your car (including the radio) and then turn on just the ignition switch. Sometimes, this will reset the system and allow you to remove the key from the ignition.
8. Replace The Switch Of Ignition Of Your Car
There are a few potential solutions for dealing with a car key stuck in the ignition. One of the most common is replacing your car’s switch ignition. This process usually involves removing the old switch and installing a new one.
In most cases, this is a relatively simple process that can be completed with just a few tools. However, it’s always best to consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic before attempting any work on your vehicle. With a little patience and the right approach, you should be able to get your car back on the road in no time.
Steps For Replacing the Ignition Switch Of The Car
1. Disconnect the battery
Before you do anything, it’s important to disconnect the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting out any electrical components. To do this, remove the negative terminal from the battery.
N.B.- It’s important to remember that you need to turn the ignition lock to the off position before disconnecting the battery.
2. Remove the steering wheel
You’ll need to remove the steering wheel to access the ignition switch. Start by removing the center cap and Horn button. Then, use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel itself.
3. Remove the ignition switch
Once you have access to the ignition switch, you can remove it by unscrewing the two screws. Be sure to note which wire goes where, as you’ll need to reconnect them in the same order when you install the new ignition switch.
Switch out the old ignition switch. Insert the car key. Then, Set the toggle to the accessory mode by inserting the key.
4. Install the new ignition switch
To install the new ignition switch, screw it into place and reconnect the wires in the correct order. Once everything is connected, you can reinstall the steering wheel and center cap.
5. Reconnect the battery
Before you start your car, be sure to reconnect the battery. Once everything is back in place, your car should start as it did before!
9. Connecting Car Battery Terminal
Another method you can try is disconnecting and reconnecting your car’s battery terminals. This may also reset the system and allow you to remove the key from the ignition.
5 Reasons For Car Key Getting Stuck In Ignition
1. Worn Out Key
One of the most common reasons your car key may get stuck in the ignition is worn out. Over time, the cuts and grooves on the key will begin to wear down, making it more difficult for the key to turning in the ignition. If you notice that your key is beginning to look worn, you should consider having it replaced.
2. Dirty or debris-filled ignition
Another reason your car key may get stuck in the ignition is dirt or debris build-up in the ignition itself. This can happen if you live in an area with a lot of dust or if you frequently drive on dirt roads. If you think that there may be dirt or debris build-up in your ignition, you should try cleaning it out with a can of compressed air.
3. Key And Ignition Switch Problems
If your car key is getting stuck in the ignition, it could also be a sign of a problem with the switch of the ignition itself. The ignition switch is responsible for sending an electrical signal from the key to the starter, which then starts the engine. If the ignition switch of the vehicle is faulty, it may not send the correct signal to the starter, causing your car key to get stuck in the ignition.
In that case, you need to install a new ignition switch properly to get your car running life before.
4. Worn-out wafers
Another common reason for a car’s correct key getting stuck in the ignition is worn-out wafers. The wafers are small metal pieces located inside the Ignition Lock Cylinder. Over time, these wafers can become worn down and cause problems with the ignition Lock Cylinder. If you think that your car key is getting stuck because of worn-out wafers, you should consider having them replaced by a professional.
5. Faulty Ignition Lock Cylinder
The Ignition Lock Cylinder or ignition cylinder is responsible for locking and unlocking the steering wheel when you insert and remove your car key. If this component or part is faulty, it can cause your car key to get stuck in the ignition.
Things To Do If Your Car Key Breaks In The Ignition Hole
Step 1: Don’t Panic
If your car key breaks in the ignition hole, you should first try not to panic. It can be easy to get worked up and stressed out in this situation, but it is essential to remain calm and think so that you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem.
Step 2: Remove The Broken Key
Once you have calmed down, the next step is to remove the broken key from the ignition hole. This can be tricky, and you may need to use a pair of pliers or another tool to help you grip the key and pull it out. Be careful not to damage the ignition hole as you remove the key.
Step 3: Inspect The Ignition Hole
Once the broken key has been removed, take a close look at the ignition hole to see if there is any damage. If there is any damage, it will need to be repaired before you can insert a new key and start your car.
Step 4: Insert The New Key
If the ignition hole is not damaged, the next step is to insert a new key into it. You may need to wiggle the car key a little until it goes all the way in, but once it is in, you should be able to turn on your car and drive away without any problems.
Step 5: Contact A Locksmith
If you cannot remove the broken key or insert a new one, your best option is to contact a locksmith. Our expert locksmiths at Flat Rate Locksmith have the tools and experience necessary to fix the problem so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
Final Words
So, your car key is stuck in the ignition, and you don’t know what to do. Well, have no fear! We at Flat Rate Locksmith are here to help. Call us at 678-686-7426, and we’ll send one of our expert locksmiths right over to get your car key out – fast. And don’t worry, we won’t charge you an arm and a leg for our services; we’re just here to help with a small charge.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How To Fix the Steering Wheel Lock Along With The Stuck Keys?
Ans: If your car’s steering wheel is locked and your key is jammed in the ignition, you may have used the wrong key. This is called the steering wheel locking mechanism. Most modern automobiles include a safety feature that locks the steering wheel if the wrong key is used.
All it takes to fix this is a gentle rotation of the wheel to the left, followed by a turn to the right, all while gently pressing the key. If you apply sufficient force, you should be able to release the lock on the wheel. There is also a similar kind of mechanism called the ignition lock mechanism.