If you can’t get the car key out of the ignition, it may be because there’s something blocking the release. If this is a new car, make sure alltta door handle is pushed in and locked before trying to start your vehicle. On older cars with manual locks or power windows that use cables, try turning each window motor off first then starting your engine. If none of these techniques work, you may need to get a new key or have the car towed.
Can’t Get Car Key Out of Ignition: Causes and Solutions
In the event that you can’t seem to get your car’s key out of the ignition, there are a few potential causes. Here are four solutions:
- Check if the battery is dead or not properly connected. If it isn’t and you’ve tried all other methods, chances are your battery is just low on juice and needs to be recharged; try using a voltmeter to check for voltage at each terminal before trying again.
- Make sure that both keys have been inserted into the cylinder correctly – one in front (the “master”) and one behind (the “accessory”). You may need a second set of hands if yours has gone missing over time!
- Look inside the engine compartment where the key might be stuck – oily areas like around an air filter could cause problems with insertion or removal. Clean these spots up first with rubbing alcohol or WD-40 prior to attempting retrieval.
- If none of these solutions work, it might be time to take the car in for service. A mechanic can use a key extractor tool or drill to get the key out without damaging anything else.
How to Remove a Car key from the Ignition
If you have to Remove a Car Key from the Ignition, Follow These Steps:
- Park your car in a safe place and turn off the engine.
- Remove any screws that hold on the dashboard or center console.
- Lift up either side of the panel above where the keys are located and carefully pull out each key – they will likely be attached by wire loops or magnets. If one is stubbornly stuck, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it loose slowly before finally pulling it free with your fingers (be careful not to scratch anything!). You’ll also want to take note of which cylinder each key goes into since some cars have more than one (see photo below)
- Once all the keys are out, pour a small amount of oil into each keyhole and swab it around with a cotton ball or piece of paper towel to remove any dirt or dust.
Tips for Removing a Stuck or Lost Car key from the Ignition
When your car starts struggling to start, it might be time for a new oil filter. But first you have to get the key out of the ignition! Here are some tips:
The most common reason why keys can become stuck in ignition is because there’s something preventing them from turning easily. This could be rust or corrosion on the metal parts around the keyhole, dried oils and grease which build up over time, or even bits of plastic that got lodged between the lock cylinder (the part inside your engine compartment) and whatever cover it sits on.
If This is Happening to you then All you Need to do is Try These Three Methods Before Calling a Mechanic:
- First method – use a plunger Make sure that everything near where the key fits into its housing has been cleaned off – including any areas close to bolts holding down components nearby. Gently push and pull at various points around both sides of either side of said bolt until eventually one side gives way enough for you insert an old-fashioned kitchen plunger with suction onto one end (or if there isn’t actually anything obstructing access putty may work just as well) and use the other end to push and pull on the key itself. Doing this in multiple areas should loosen it up enough so you can remove it with your hands.
- Second method – heat up a butter knife This one’s easier if there is something obstructing access – like rust or dried grease. All you need to do is hold the heated knife against where the key fits into its housing for about 30 seconds, then try removing it using either of the methods above.
- Third method – call a mechanic If none of those work, or if the key has been stuck for longer than an hour (or if attempting any of these methods makes things worse), then calling a mechanics may be your best bet.
Safely Remove a Vehicle’s Key From The Ignition Switch
If your car has a keyless start, it’s possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without removing the battery. To do this: Disconnect all cables connected to the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and then disconnect both Positive (+) and Negative (-) terminals on each side of the I/C module.
If your car has a manual transmission, remove the gear shift boot. If your car has an automatic transmission, disconnect both transfer case connectors at the rear of the vehicle. Next, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off one cover on each side of the I/C module (see photo). Finally, pop out the keypad and release it from its holder.
Preventing Your Keys From Getting Locked In The ignition
If you’re like most drivers, your car’s ignition is one of the last places you think to check for potential problems. But if your keys get locked in the engine compartment, it can be difficult or even impossible to start your vehicle. Here are five tips to prevent this from happening:
A) Make sure all of your car’s doors and windows are securely closed before starting it up. If someone manages to steal or break into your car while it’s running, they may not realize that the door was left open until they try and turn the key in the ignition.
B) Check underneath both front seats for loose objects that could become wedged between the seat frame and floorboard cushions – these include coins, phone chargers (or other electrical devices), sunglasses cases etcetera. Try rotating each cushion around its vertical axis before trying to pop them out; something small enough can easily slide under there without being noticed, especially if things have been sitting still for a long time!
C) Before attempting any repairs on-the-fly – whether fixing a flat tire on an icy road or replacing a burned-out light bulb – make absolutely certain that everything inside your vehicle is safely secured by using bungee cords or locking cables securing valuables such as electronics equipment away from moving parts. This goes double when parking at night outside convenience stores where unattended cars often attract theft rings targeting vehicles with unlocked engines.
D) Finally, don’t rely on your car stereo or climate control to power up the vehicle if you get locked out.
Conclusion
If you can’t get the car key out of the ignition, your best bet is to call a tow truck.