A car key getting stuck in the ignition can be one of the most dreadful feelings in the world, and it automatically triggers our impulse to remove the key using brute force. Unfortunately, that will only make things worse. In order to know how to effortlessly remove it from the ignition without causing any damage, you must first be informed on why the key can get stuck in the first place. Check out this guide by CarSwitch.com, an online marketplace where you can buy and sell your car without any hassles.
1 – Your key is damaged
The constant twisting and turning of car keys can eventually wear them out. Every time you place your key in the ignition, it wears out just a little bit. Once you get the first hint that the car key has been damaged, it’s time to replace it as early as possible.
2 – The battery is dead
The ignition system requires power from the battery to start the engine. If there’s a dead battery in the car, the engine will fail to start and might cause the ignition system to lock up.
3 – Your gear isn’t set to ‘Park’
When attempting to take the key out of a car with an automatic transmission, always make sure to set the vehicle’s gear in ‘Park’ mode. If the gear is set to any other mode, the key might fail to come out.
4 – The steering wheel is locked
A car’s steering wheel might become locked as part of its safety features. This will prevent the steering wheel from moving around at all. To start moving the wheel again, you must turn the car key in the ignition and the steering lock will eventually disengage. If the key also remains locked in place apply gentle pressure till it turns but be careful as the key might break.
5 – Ignition pins get misaligned
If the ignition lock cylinder malfunctions, it can prevent the key from coming out. Wondering why this happens? It’s because the ignition lock contains multiple spring-loaded pins that match the shape of your key when you insert it. If even one of these pins is aligned improperly, you might not be able to remove the key.
If your key still persists in the ignition, there is a simple remedy that might work. You can use a can of WD40 and spray the solution into the ignition lock. This and lubrication should be more than enough to remove the key. You can also use an adhesive remover to get rid of debris or any form of gunk stuck on the key. Remember to thoroughly clean the key and then reinsert it.
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