Why is my key stuck in the ignition, or my car won’t start? This can be caused by a number of different issues. First, determine why the car will not turn over or start. If the car turns over but does not start, this can be caused by the fuel pump or starter.
The reason the key is stuck in the ignition is that the lock cylinder is broken. This problem can easily happen if you replace your car or locks. You may have a broken lock cylinder and not even know it. When a key gets stuck in the ignition, the first thing to try is simply pulling it out. But if that fails, then a little lubricant might do the trick.
The key gets stuck in the ignition, you open your car’s ignition key to start the engine. But what if the key isn’t working? It might be a common problem in cars, but it can be a hassle to fix. In this article, we’ll teach you how to properly open your car’s ignition key. We hope you find this guide helpful!
What to do if the key gets stuck in the ignition?
The first thing you need to do is remove the key cap. You can do this by using a Phillips head screwdriver or a set of pliers.
Once the key cap is removed, you will see two screws at the top of the key. Remove these screws and release the car door handle.
You will now be able to access the ignition key by using one of three methods:
Open up your car doors with your hands and twist the ignition key until it starts to turn (this may take a few tries).
Use a Phillips head screwdriver or set of pliers to pry open the fuse box in the front of your car.
Use a hammer and chisel to break open the plastic battery cover on the back of your car.
Also, when your key gets stuck in the ignition, attempt to remove it by gently rocking the ignition buttons. If that doesn’t work, you may need to insert a screwdriver and apply gentle pressure to the top of the key to force it from its position.
The ability to use your car keys is a valuable asset for drivers. By using this safety feature, you can easily unlock your car and make it accessible to the public. Additionally, using your fobs in an emergency situation can save you time and hassle.

Ignition key in car. Black car key close-up. Modern car.
Why can’t I pull my key out of the ignition?
You might have a bad ignition cylinder. This means the part of your steering column where you put your key to start your car is broken. This problem is usually caused by the wrong key is inserted into the ignition or the key is worn out. There are a few other things that could cause this problem to happen, but these are much less common than the two above.
It’s also possible that your shift lever needs to be adjusted. If you’re driving a manual transmission, you’ll need to make sure that your shift lever is neutral before trying to pull the key out of it.
If neither of these things seems to be the issue, there may be something wrong with your vehicle’s security ignition system. You may need to have a professional diagnose and repair this problem for you.
7 reasons key stuck in the ignition?
There are a few reasons why this could happen:
1. Dead battery
The most common reason a car key gets stuck in the ignition is that the car battery is dead. If you’re having trouble turning your car on, try checking if your battery is still functioning. If it’s not, you’ll need to replace it before you can start your car again.
2. Gear not in parking mode
There are a few reasons a car key might get stuck in the ignition. The most common is that the gear is not in parking mode. The car must be placed in park mode before you can remove the key from the ignition, and this can be done by turning off the car and then shifting it into drive, neutral, or reverse.
3. Steering Wheel Lock
If you’ve ever had your car key get stuck in the ignition, it’s probably because of a steering wheel lock.
This lock is designed to keep thieves from stealing your car by cutting off the power supply to the ignition.
You can override the ignition lock cylinder by pressing a button on your dashboard, or by inserting another key that fits into a slot on the steering wheel lock.
4. Debris on key
The most common reason for having your car key get stuck in the ignition is debris on your key. It could be something as small as lint or something more substantial like a piece of food or dirt.
If you have any kind of debris on your key when you put it in the ignition, there’s a good chance that it will get lodged between components there and cause your key to stick. The best way to remove this type of blockage is by using WD-40 or another lubricant spray so that all parts can slide freely again.
5. Worn or Damaged Key
A worn or damaged key can cause the ignition to get stuck. If you’ve had your keys for a long time, it’s important to check them for wear and tear. If you notice any wear or damage on your car key, it’s time to get a new one.
In addition to checking for signs of wear and tear, you can also check that your key is not bent by inserting it into the ignition and turning it back and forth. If the key gets stuck while doing this, then it is probably bent and will need to be replaced.
Another way to determine if your car key is damaged is by looking at the teeth on each side of the key.
6. Damaged Ignition Cylinder
If your car key is stuck in the ignition, it’s likely because the cylinder is damaged. This can happen if there’s been a lot of wear and tear on the cylinder and its tumblers, or if it’s just old and worn out.
Whatever the reason for the damage, it means that your key won’t be able to turn smoothly in order to unlock itself from the ignition.
7. The car is not off
If you get your car key stuck in the ignition, it’s usually because the car is not off. If this happens, try turning your vehicle on and off again. If that doesn’t work, turn the steering wheel to either side. This should loosen your key so you can remove it from the ignition.
The key stuck in the ignition won’t turn off.
The key stuck in the ignition is a common problem. It happens when the key gets jammed between the ignition switch and the steering wheel lock bar. This makes it impossible to turn off your vehicle.
The main reason for this is that the steering column is not functioning correctly. If you have a problem with your steering column, then it can cause all sorts of issues, including:
- Your car won’t start
- You can’t turn off your car
- The ignition won’t release the key.
- There is no power for the dashboard lights.
In order to fix this issue, you need to first remove any obstructions from the steering column, such as dirt or debris that might have been blocking access to the ignition switch itself.
Once you have cleared these away, then there should be enough room for you to get at least one finger under where the key would normally sit when inserted into its slot on an automotive vehicle’s keyring holder (also known as a “keyring”).
How to get keys out of a locked car?
If you’ve locked your keys in your car, you may feel a bit panicked. The good news is there are a few ways to get them out, but it depends on how the car locks work. Take a breath and check out these ways to get your keys out of your locked car:
1) Call a Locksmith
A locksmith can help get your car unlocked without damaging anything. They have the tools needed to unlock the car without causing any damage and can even supply you with new keys at the same time.
2) Use a Stick
One simple way to unlock your car quickly is using a stick or other narrow object. You’ll need one that is long enough to reach down into the door or window, and you’ll want it to be flexible, so you don’t accidentally break something trying to unlock the door. Push it down into where the lock is and move it until you hear a click or feel it pop open.
3) Call A Friend
Sometimes all you need is another set of hands to help with getting your key out of the locked car. If possible, have a friend come over with their vehicle keys and use their spare key for yours. That is, if you are lucky, the key can open your car.
Ignition switch cost
It varies from car to car, but generally speaking, you’re looking at about $300 dollars for parts and labor. The average cost for a mechanic to replace an ignition switch is between $65 and $190. The exact price will depend on your make, model, and year of the vehicles.
If you are experiencing problems with your ignition switch, contact your mechanic.
How to get the key out of the ignition?
Sometimes the worst part about driving is getting the key out of the ignition. It sticks, it’s hard to turn, it gets stuck on your keychain, and there are a lot of reasons why this little task can be frustrating.
But there’s no need for that frustration anymore. With these simple steps, you will be on your way to a key-free life in no time.
First, twist the key to the “On” position (if it’s not already there). Then insert a screwdriver into the notch near the bottom of your steering column. Slide it toward you until you hear a click. Now pull down on the screwdriver while gently pulling up on your key with your other hand.
If this doesn’t work, follow steps 1 and 2 but try pulling down instead of pushing forward when you slide the screwdriver in.
Otherwise, you can try this method:
It can sometimes be tricky to get a stuck key out of your car’s ignition.
Here are some helpful tips:
- If your key is stuck, try rocking it back and forth while turning the steering wheel.
- You may want to try tapping around the ignition with a rubber mallet and just be careful not to dent or break anything.
- Also, check to see if your steering wheel is locked.
If none of these tips work, be sure to contact your mechanic for additional help.
Override function to remove the key from the ignition
You can override the function of your key to keep it in place while you drive. Start by turning your key over and looking at the back. Lightly nudge the rear-facing slot until you see a small pin sticking out of it. This is the part that keeps your key from moving when you start driving.
Once you have located the pin, pull it out with a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers, and then you will be able to remove your key from the ignition at any time.
How to turn the ignition without a key?
If you’re having trouble getting your car started with the ignition key, there are a few tricks you can try to get it running without the key.
Step 1
Open your car door and look at the steering column.
Step 2
Find the slot where the key is inserted. There should be a small ignition hole located on the side of this slot.
Step 3
Insert your screwdriver into the pinhole. Gently turn it until you feel resistance from inside the locking mechanism.
Step 4
Continue turning the screwdriver until you hear a click. This means that you have successfully turned on your car’s ignition without using a key.
The key broke in the ignition – what to do?
A broken key in your ignition is a major problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Your ignition can be easily repaired and will get you back on the road in no time. Most importantly, a broken ignition key can cause problems for your car’s security system, which could result in costly replacement parts.
If your key is broken and stuck in your ignition, the best way to remove it is by using an automotive extractor kit. An automotive extractor kit is designed to remove the broken piece of the key from the ignition without damaging any other part of the car.
It works by inserting a thin metal rod into the center of the key and pulling it until it comes out. The rod should be inserted in a straight line so that it can reach both sides of the keyhole and not cause any damage to the ignition cylinder itself.
Once you have removed your broken key, make sure that you replace it with a new one immediately so that you do not cause any further damage or end up losing it completely.
How to remove the ignition cylinder when the key won’t turn?
If you’re looking to remove the ignition cylinder in your car, but are having trouble because your key won’t turn, here are a few tips.
First, if you have a manual transmission, be sure that the vehicle is in neutral and that your parking brake is engaged. Then make sure your key is fully turned off (off means all the way to the left). If your key still doesn’t turn all the way to the left, it may be because the wafers inside have gotten jammed.
To fix this, try turning the key back and forth between positions two and three while gently pulling out on it.
If you don’t have any luck with this trick, try spraying some WD-40 or another lubricant into the ignition cylinder. You can use a straw or tube to spray directly down into the cylinder. Let it sit for a few minutes before trying again to turn your key. This should help loosen some of the gunk that’s keeping your key from turning smoothly.
What to do if the key is stuck in the ignition?
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, you’ve got a problem on your hands. You could call a tow truck and wait for someone to come fix it, or you could try a few of these tips yourself.
The first thing to do is see if there’s any visible damage that might be causing the key to stick. If there is, you’ll need to consult with a professional, and you don’t want to risk damaging your ignition further by trying to repair it on your own.
If everything looks good, you can try these next steps:
1. Spray some WD-40 into the ignition and let it sit for an hour or so.
2. Pull the key out slowly while rotating it in both directions, and it might take a lot of wiggling.
3. Hold down the unlock button while pulling out the key.
If none of this works, you will have to call someone who knows what they are doing and try not to panic.
Conclusion
When your car key is stuck in the ignition, chances are, you need to call a mechanic. But it’s possible that you’re dealing with an issue that you can solve yourself.
Start by figuring out what caused the problem:
- If the problem happened suddenly and without apparent cause, it could be a sign of wear and tear on your key or lock mechanism
- If the problem occurred after someone else tried to start your car, try pulling the key out slowly while turning it to one side or the other slowly and gently
- If none of those strategies work, you might be dealing with an issue that requires professional help. If that’s the case, call on your mechanic.