Getting Your Key Out of The Ignition When Stuck

There are some things that happen when you are a motorist that you simply are not prepared for. One of them is getting your key stuck in the ignition. When this happens many motorists will panic but they don’t have to. After reading this information offered to you by South Holland Locksmith in South Holland, IL, you’ll notice that there is no reason to panic when you know what to do and who to call. If you panic then you are sure to do something that you will regret later. We don’t want you to make the situation worse than it is already, which is why we are offering you this helpful and practical information. There are some things that you can do that will enable you to effectively remove the key from your vehicle ignition. While they may not work every time and you still may have to rely on a professional locksmith, it doesn’t hurt to troubleshoot before contacting a professional.

Here are some of the many reasons why your key might get stuck in the ignition:

Inserting the Incorrect Key

We know that you’re probably thinking that this is ridiculous but trust us when we tell you that this does happen. When you’re in a hurry and you are not paying attention, this could easily happen. Before you know it, you have forced the wrong key into the ignition until you get it stuck. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably sitting there thinking how in the world you did that. It’s also easy because many keys look very similar. If you notice that you’ve put the incorrect key in the ignition, you’ll want to pay close attention to how you take it out.

Dead Battery

There are some people who know that if there is a dead battery that they will not be able to get their key out of the ignition. However, for those who do not, this might be the first place you want to check before giving your local local locksmith a call. It may be necessary for you to get a jump or to have new battery installed.

Key Cut Incorrectly

It happens all the time. People use keys that have been incorrectly cut. While they will go into the ignition and will work, there will come a time when the key simply will not work. It is best to have any other keys made from the original key, if you can. This will help ensure that the key is cut correctly. The more you use duplicate keys the more you risk the chance of it being cut incorrectly. It doesn’t even have to be a major difference in the way that the key is cut, even if it a small imperfection, it can get stuck in the ignition.

Inserting the Key Incorrectly

You might not think that this could happen but it does, especially if you’re using an older key. Something the older key will go in at an angle and get stuck in the ignition. Build Up

If there is too much build up of dirt and debris it could affect the key and eventually get stuck in the vehicle ignition.

Sensor Problem

It is possible that you have a bad transmission sensor. It will be difficult to remove the key if this is the case. This often happens when the signal doesn’t reach the columns lock feature.

Internal Damages

There may be internal issues that you are unable to detect because you don’t know what to look for and you can’t see inside of the ignition. Our locksmiths know how to determine if this is the problem and if it is, they can safely and effectively remove the key from the ignition.

Worn Lock Cylinder

You will need to have a new lock cylinder installed if yours is worn. Without it, it will be impossible to remove the key from the ignition.

Loose Cable

If there is a loose cable in the dashboard, you’ll have to have it replaced in order to remove the key from the ignition.

Anti-Theft Feature

Sometimes, vehicles with an anti-theft feature find it difficult to remove the key from thei ignition.

Here are a few of the suggestions that we have to offer to you that have proven effective for many of our previous customers:

Check the Key Position

We realize that you might not know it and that it might sound simple enough but just make sure that your vehicle is actually in the PARK position. If it is not in the right position then it will be impossible for you to remove the key. Sometimes motorists swear that it is in the right position until they look again and notice it is in NEUTRAL. It is easy to do, especially when they have too many keys on their keychain. The weight causes too much pressure on the cylinder causing it to slip out of position or never going into the right position from the start.

Dead Battery

The first thing that you should check is the battery to ensure that it is not dead and that you can get safely and effectively remove the key from the ignition. If the battery is dead, you’ll have to have it jumped or a new one installed. This is the first thing that a locksmith will check when you contact them about your key being stuck in the ignition. You can do it before even calling a locksmith.

Locked Steering Column

If you have a locked steering column then it is quite possible that your key will become stuck in the ignition. You can generally turn the wheel in one direction will gently pulling the key toward you. If it will not release the key then don’t force it. Contact a locksmith and allow them unlock the column and safely remove the key for you.

If you’re comfortable following these suggestions, fine. If you are not, we suggest you call a reputable locksmith.