WHAT TO DO IF CAR KEY IS STUCK IN IGNITION

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.