As a car owner, the idea of your
key
becoming stuck in the ignition can be very stressful. It is even more
stressful if you actually find yourself sitting in that position. Car owners
admit that when they have found themselves in this situation, they are at a
loss on how to proceed. You don’t want to leave the car. For one, you will have
to leave the door unlocked since the keys are stuck in the ignition. This will
make your vehicle easy for any unscrupulous person who happens by to break into.
If you are in a rush, perhaps to get to work or an appointment, this can add
even more stress to an already stressful day. However, there are a few things
you can do to try to get yourself out of this situation.
Check the key’s position
Is the key in the correct
position in the ignition? The ignition allows for four positions of use, each
providing a different outcome. Position one generally unlocks the steering
wheel. Position two usually powers on the accessory components, such as the
radio. Position three will allow the car’s fuel injection system and computer
to power on. And the last position, position four, starts the engine.
Sometimes, the key is in the wrong position for you to be able to withdraw it.
Example, the ignition is in position two (radio on), and you are trying to
remove the key. It seems simple, but make sure the ignition is actually in the
off position. You also should make sure that your vehicle is in park. As a
safety feature, automatic cars do not allow the key to be removed from the
ignition unless the car is in park.
Move the wheel
This is another suggestion that
seems very simple and obvious at its core. Sometimes the steering wheel is
locked in an awkward position. Try moving the steering wheel carefully from
side to side. There is no need for excessive force here. The issue can be as
simple as the position of the steering wheel locking your ignition. When you
move the wheel into a new position, try your key. Hopefully you will be able to
remove it once the steering wheel is correctly positioned.
Battery Issues
If your battery is dead, it could
cause the key to become stuck in the ignition. This feature is only on some car
makes and models. If your key is stuck in the ignition, and the battery is
dead, your first course of action should be to at least partially charge the
battery.
You
do not want to attempt to remove the key if the battery is dead, as this
can lead to the key breaking off in the ignition. Once the charging process is
complete, try to remove your key from the ignition.
Household product help
If you find your key stuck in the
ignition, and all else has failed, you could try to get the keys out using some
products that are found around the house. There are ways you can troubleshoot
this issue on your own, but they usually come with drawbacks that could be
expensive. One product you can try, usually found in your toolbox, would be a
pair of pliers. In some cases, people have been able to use a pair of pliers to
remove their keys from the ignition. Please note, if using this method, be sure
to avoid moving the key roughly from side to side - you could damage parts inside
the mechanism, or you could even break the key in half. This would leave the
bottom half of the key stuck in the ignition. Another option is to use a bobby
pin. You may be able to remove the cap covering the ignition lock - this will
give you access to the inside. Inside, you will find a lock override, and if
you press it with the head of a bobby pin, it may release the key. Some people
have even had luck loosening the key. To do this, you would need an electrical
lubricant or silicone based spray. This may allow enough slickness for you to
be able to remove your key. However, this is another circumstance where you
risk the possibility of the key breaking off inside the ignition.
Call a Locksmith
This is an option people
generally don’t think of. When something happens to your vehicle, the first
thought is usually for a mechanic. However, a locksmith can help with all types
of locks, including vehicle locks. If you have tried some of the above methods
to no avail, then your next call should be to a licensed and insured locksmith.
Luckily, there are even some
locksmiths
that offer 24/7 emergency service, so you can call them at any time of the
day or night, unlike auto mechanics that usually work within business hours,
and you would have to get your vehicle to their shop. A locksmith will come out
to you, and can do it right away. The best part about calling a locksmith is
you don’t have to risk doing further damage to your vehicle. This is why I put
a caution on many of the above methods. If you are too aggressive in your
application, you may end up doing more harm than good. A locksmith will have
the correct tools and equipment to get the key out of the ignition. They can
also do an assessment to let you know why your key became lodged in the first
place, and perhaps they can give you pointers on how to avoid this issue in the
future.
If you are in the Atlanta, GA
area and are searching for a quality locksmith that also specializes in
automotive locksmith services, please call the experts at
Atlanta Fast
Locksmith. The team will be able to give you speedy assistance, and we also
offer 24/7 emergency assistance services. Don’t risk doing further damage to
your vehicle - simply give us a call and our experts will come to your location
to give you the assistance you need.
