Car Key Stuck in Ignition? How To Remove & Start Your Car

As a certified mechanic with over 20 years of experience repairing all types of vehicles, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when you have a car key stuck in ignition. My name’s John, and I’ve seen this issue plague drivers time and time again.

In this article, I’ll draw from my expertise to walk you through why your key may be getting stuck, simple ways you can try and fix it yourself, when it’s best to call for professional help, how a locksmith will properly extract it, and tips to avoid ignition problems down the road. With the right knowledge and tools, we can get your stuck key out and engine turned over without causing costly damages. So read on to learn what to do when your car key is stuck in the ignition and the car won’t start!

Why Your Car Key is Stuck in Ignition

There are a few common reasons your key may be stuck in the ignition and refusing to turn:

• The steering wheel lock is engaged. Many cars have an anti-theft feature that locks the steering wheel when you turn off the engine. If you switched off the engine while turning the steering wheel, it can engage this lock.
• Dirt, debris or lubricant is inside the ignition cylinder. Over time, the ignition can accumulate gunk like glue, tape residue or dirt that makes inserting the key difficult. Foreign material jamming the key.
• Worn tumblers inside the ignition lock cylinder. After years of use, the internal pins and springs can become misaligned and fail to release the key.
• Low battery power. If the car battery is dead, there may not be enough power to disengage the ignition lock.
• Damaged or worn key. If your key is bent or the teeth are worn down, it may fail to fully engage the ignition tumblers to turn.
• Faulty ignition cylinder. If the ignition switch itself is malfunctioning, it could trap the key inside and need replacement.

Simple Fixes to Try Yourself

Before calling a locksmith or tow truck, there are a few simple tricks you can attempt to get the key unstuck:

• Make sure the car is in Park – The ignition lock is designed to only release the key when the automatic transmission is in Park. Always shift to Park before turning off the engine.
• Jiggle the steering wheel – Try turning the key gently back and forth while jiggling the wheel left and right. This may help release the steering lock.
• Clean your key – Use a toothbrush and rubbing alcohol to scrub any dirt, oil or debris off the key. Debris inside the ignition cylinder could be trapping it.
• Spray lubricant – A dry ignition cylinder may stick to the key. Spray a lubricant like WD-40 into the ignition slot and try again.
• Check the battery – Turn on the headlights or electronics to check for a dead battery. You may need a jump start.
• Tap the cylinder – Use a screwdriver handle or other tool to gently tap the ignition cylinder around the key. This may realign the pins.
• Use your spare key – If you have a spare key, try it instead as it may be cleaner and engage better.

How a Locksmith Will Remove a Stuck Key

When called for a stuck key service, here is the general process a locksmith will follow:

Inspection – The locksmith will first visually inspect your ignition slot and key to try to determine what is causing the sticking issue. This helps them choose the best extraction method.

Lubrication – They may first lubricate the keyhole and key with a penetrating fluid. This can help loosen a mildly stuck key. Graphite or dry lubricant powders are options.

Key Jiggling – While turning the key gently, they will wiggle the steering wheel and move the key in and out with slight tension. This often works for a steering wheel lock.

Pick Tools – Thin pick-like tools can be inserted alongside the key to press and release the internal tumblers one by one until the cylinder turns freely. This is done with extreme care not to scratch the cylinder.

Key Extractor – If the key is snapped off inside, specialized broken key extractors can grip and remove the stuck fragment without damaging the ignition.

Locksmith Toolkit – Other tools like lock picking tools, tension wrenches, key cutters, or cylinder scope can be used for tough extractions.

Ignition Cylinder Repair or Replacement – For faulty ignitions they can disassemble, repair pins and springs, or fully replace the cylinder.

In skilled hands, most stuck keys can be removed or repaired in under 30 minutes avoiding costly damage.

Avoid Locksmith Scams

Disreputable “locksmiths” have been known to scam drivers with stuck keys by grossly overcharging. Common scams include:

• Bait and switch pricing – Quoting a lowball $19 or $29 service call over the phone then jacking up the price hugely on arrival.
• Drilling out locks unnecessarily – Damaging your ignition lock cylinder when other unlocking methods would work.
• Sneaky add-ons – Tacking on vague fees for “security checks”, “emergency labor”, or overpriced key replacements you didn’t approve.
• Intimidation tactics – Refusing to leave or release your vehicle until you pay an outrageous amount.

You can avoid scams by researching locksmith reviews, asking for an upfront written estimate, and using established honest companies like Ask Auto Mechanics. Legitimate locksmiths will explain exactly what is wrong and the fair options to get you back on the road.

DIY Extraction Methods to Avoid

With a key stuck in the ignition, some vehicle owners are tempted to try potentially damaging DIY extraction methods. Avoid the following unsafe tricks:

• Forcing the key out – Twisting harshly or wrenching the key can snap it off making the problem worse.
• Spraying penetrating oils into the cylinder – Liquid can damage ignitions and electrical components. Use a lock lubricant powder instead.
• Hitting or prying the cylinder – The ignition cylinder is precisely aligned and can be destroyed.
• Using makeshift “tools” – Paperclips, knives, screwdrivers can scratch metal and do serious harm.
• Pulling with pliers – Extractors grip just the key, not the cylinder, to avoid damage. Pliers crush surrounding metal.
• Overpowering steering lock – Forcing the wheel risks breaking parts or losing control while driving later.

Any extraction methods requiring force have potential to destroy the ignition and render the vehicle undriveable. It’s always safest to call a professional.

Protect Your Ignition from Damage

To help avoid stuck keys and other ignition issues down the road:

• Avoid debris buildup – Periodically clean your keyhole using compressed air to blow out any lint or dirt.
• Fix sticking issues immediately – At the first sign of sticking, have your ignition inspected and serviced.
• Use your spare key – Alternate keys to spread out wear and tear on the metal teeth.
• Install a steel lock protector – Aftermarket products protect the cylinder from damage when keys are inserted.
• Buy a quality key – Cheap duplicate keys won’t engage the tumblers as smoothly. Stick with OEM factory keys.

With proper care, your vehicle’s ignition lock cylinder should last over a decade. But with heavy use, environmental exposure and inevitable component wear, stuck keys do happen eventually. Now you know what to do when your car key gets stuck in the ignition – use these tips to get back on the road safely. And for any situation too complex to DIY, a professional mobile locksmith has the experience, tools and training to help.

When to Ask A Mechanic For Help

If you’ve exhausted all the DIY methods to free your stuck key and it still refuses to turn the ignition, it may be wise to consult an expert mechanic online. Ask Auto Mechanics allow you to chat one-on-one with certified mechanics 24/7 to get advice tailored to diagnosing your specific stuck key issue. Describe your make, model and year and walk through everything you’ve tried so far.

The online mechanic can review your case details and pictures, then suggest next best steps based on their years of experience. This expert guidance can confirm whether your ignition cylinder needs professional repair, if the key risks snapping off if you continue forcing it, whether a trip to the dealership or locksmith is your best bet, and if it’s safe to drive a short distance to a shop with the key still stuck. Consulting a pro mechanic online helps shortcut your path to determining the proper solution for getting your car key unstuck safely.

Conclusion

Getting your key hopelessly stuck in the ignition can ruin anyone’s day and cause tremendous stress. In most circumstances, the key can be successfully freed by carefully releasing the steering lock, jiggling the key, or shifting into Park properly. Avoid brute pulling on stuck keys as it often results in breakage and bigger problems.

If DIY methods fail to extract a stuck or broken key, promptly call for professional assistance – from a locksmith for key issues or a certified mechanic for ignition repairs. Staying proactive by keeping keys clean, replacing damaged ones promptly, and fixing any ignition problems early can help reduce the chances of dealing with the nightmare of a stuck key altogether.

Car Key Stuck in Ignition Frequently Asked Questions