Any car issue is frustrating. And it can be very stressful, especially if you get into your car one day and realize it won’t start, or it otherwise won’t run correctly. One situation that an automotive locksmith can tackle is a car key that is stuck in the ignition. Yes, this does happen, and when it does, we understand that it can actually be quite easy to cause even more damage by attempting to force it out. You are going to need to hire a qualified, licensed and insured technician to avoid damage when your car key is stuck in the ignition. Here, we are going to discuss some steps you can take in an effort to resolve this, and we are going to explain why it might have happened. If you know why the problem is occurring, you might have an easier time resolving it fast. 

Why is the Key Stuck? It Could Be Wear and Tear

It might just be wearing and tear that is the cause of your key being stuck. It could also be a damaged key that is causing the problem or perhaps the issue is actually a worn-out ignition cylinder. If you can determine the problem, you can figure out the solution. If it is a broken key, you might need transponder key programming so you can replace the broken key. If it is an ignition cylinder that is the problem, an expert can provide replacement. 

Is the Key Stuck, But Car Running?

This one can be very frustrating. Are you sure that the car is completely shut off? Meaning, did you make sure the key is turned to the right spot? Sometimes, if you’re driving someone else’s car that you are not used to, things like this happen. But it could easily be why the key won’t come out. Try this – rotate the key anti-clockwise to ensure that the car is fully shut off. It’s worth a shot! 

The Key is Stuck Because Steering Wheel is Locked

This is a fairly easy one to resolve. If the key is stuck because the steering wheel is locked, then all you have to do is unlock the steering wheel. Turn the wheel from side to side or back and forth and while you are doing this, gently pull on the key to try to pull it out. Of course, if the steering wheel is locked because of a computer or electric issue, this won’t be as easy. 

The Key is Stuck Because the Ignition Cylinder Has Sustained Damage
If the ignition cylinder might be damaged, then your key could get stuck in the ignition. This can be a bit more difficult to determine if the key is already stuck inside because it’s not like you can inspect the key. If you can tell the key is broken, then clearly you have a broken key. But it could have broken because of ignition damage. Since you don’t want to make the problem worse, you should reach out to a locksmith that specializes in automotive services. 
A car key can get stuck in the ignition of a vehicle due to clogging or blockage, meaning you could have build-up in the ignition cylinder. This can be resolved fairly easily with the use of pressurized air. If you have not been cleaning your vehicle, then it could be that dust got inside. Another option is to try to lubricate the key and then try to remove it, but be careful not to use force when doing so because this can leave you with a broken key. Try WD-40. Just be sure, for future reference, to keep your vehicle clean and to avoid neglecting cleaning out the ignition cylinder. You can also attempt to put ice on either side of the key – hey, sometimes it works! 

Any car issue is difficult and a pain to deal with. The last thing you want is to get into your car one day and realize it won’t start. You also don’t want to get stuck in a parking lot somewhere because of a key being stuck in the ignition. An automotive locksmith can help if you have a car key that is stuck in the ignition. 

Be patient while attempting to figure out what the cause is for the stuck key. If you lose your patience, you might cause further damage, which is something no one wants because all this will do is cost you even more money down the road, or even immediately. Remember that the issue at hand could actually be relatively simple, like the car not being fully shut off, or the steering wheel having locked up. 

If you have gone through all of the above recommended solutions as mentioned above and realize you are still stuck with the key trapped in the ignition, go ahead and reach out to an automotive locksmith. If you are in our service area, give us a ring. We will come to you and provide the solution you need, whether that entails broken key extraction, ignition switch replacement, transponder key programming or something else. You want to choose an expert who is insured and licensed so you can trust them working on your vehicle. A locksmith that specializes in automotive solutions for all makes and models will be able to discern if your ignition cylinder needs to be replaced. This can save you time and money. Thanks for reading about what to do – when your car key is stuck in the ignition!