Getting a car stuck in the ignition is one of the most frustrating moments that a driver can experience. It can be incredibly difficult to get the car moving again, and oftentimes it’s impossible. There are a few things that you can do to try and fix the problem before you call a tow truck.
What causes car keys to get stuck in ignition?
There are a few reasons why car keys can get stuck in the ignition. One common issue is that the keychain has become twisted or kinked, preventing it from rotating freely. If this is the case, you may need to replace your keychain. Another reason is that the key might be too big or too small for the ignition. If the key doesn’t fit properly, it can jam in the ignition and prevent it from turning. In some cases, the key might even be defective. If you’ve had problems with your car keys getting stuck in the ignition before, you might want to take them to a mechanic to see if they can diagnose the issue and suggest a solution.
What you can do to fix a car key that won’t turn
If you are having trouble getting your car key to turn in the ignition, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the issue. First, make sure that the key is fully inserted into the ignition. If it isn’t, you may need to try putting it in a different location. Second, make sure that the key is turned all the way to the lock position. If it isn’t, you may need to try turning it more than one time before it will work. Finally, try using a thick piece of wire or a hammer to hit the key from behind while it is turned to the lock position. This should help push it out of the ignition if it is stuck.
How to remove a car key from the ignition without a key hole cut
If your car key is not budging from the ignition, there may be a few remedies you can try before resorting to a professional. Before doing anything, try turning the key in both directions, as well as rotating it around its cylinder. If those don’t work, try using a screwdriver or other small tool to pry the key out of the ignition. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to take your car to a mechanic.
Car key removal tips for emergency situations
If you find yourself stranded with a stuck car key, don’t panic. There are several emergency car key removal techniques you can try in case of a sudden emergency.
If the key is stuck in the ignition, try turning the key several times without success. If the key becomes stuck halfway into the ignition, your best bet may be to pry open the ignition housing and use a screwdriver or other tool to pull the key out. If all else fails, try breaking the key off inside the ignition housing with a hammer or Phillips head screwdriver.
In case you have your car battery disconnected, it’s still possible to remove a stuck car key with some basic tools. Place the flat end of a screwdriver on one end of the key and hold onto the other end of the key with pliers. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise while simultaneously pushing down on the pliers until the key pops out.
Conclusion
As the temperatures continue to drop and we head into winter, it’s likely that you will experience an increase in car key problems. Here are four of the most common causes of car key getting stuck in ignition: dried out battery, corrosion on the key switch, jammed relay or sensor, and frozen key. If you are having trouble starting your car in cold weather, try these tips to see if they help.