Car Key Stuck in Your Ignition? Here’s What to Do

Car key stuck in your ignition? While it may be rare, it happens more often than you might think. Read on to learn what you should do if you’ve found yourself in this situation, as well as some preventative tips to help you avoid a reoccurrence in the future.

If at any time you notice that your key is sticking in your lock here and there, heed that as a warning and pay attention. That’s a sign that something is amiss. Inspect your key and the lock for any visible damage and replace the offending part, if needed. Usually, however, there isn’t a sign that your car key is going to get stuck in your ignition lock until it happens. It’s part of what makes it such a frustrating situation to deal with. Our locksmiths have got your back, however.  

What You Shouldn’t Do

Before we discuss the best steps to take when your key is stuck in your ignition, let’s first discuss what you shouldn’t do. It’s best to read this section first so that you don’t inadvertently make a mistake that costs you more in the long run.   

• Don’t be too rough! Car keys are more delicate than most people think, and using too much force might cause the key to break off in the ignition cylinder. There’s also the possibility of causing additional damage to the internal mechanism of the lock if you try to use too much force to yank or jimmy your key out. 
• Don’t panic. As stated above, panicking will only make the situation worse. Even if the conditions are less than ideal, such as if you’re stuck in a parking lot in the middle of the night, panicking will just cause you to lose your rationality. 
• Don’t use pliers unless you know what you’re doing. Some people who are stuck in their driveway with their key in their ignition cylinder resort to raiding their toolbox to get the key free. Unless you have extensive experience with this sort of thing, it’s advised to avoid using pliers and other tools to try to free your key. This could cause additional damage to the ignition lock cylinder or the key itself. It’s best to leave this job to the professionals. 

What You Should Do 

Now that we’ve cautioned you on the wrong steps to take, let’s discuss the right ones. Most of the time when a key is stuck in an ignition cylinder, a call to a professional locksmith is in order. However, you may be able to free your key in certain situations and avoid a service call.   

• Ensure your vehicle is in the “off” position. Some vehicles have a safety feature that locks your key inside of the ignition lock while the vehicle is in operation. Sometimes an apparently stuck key is actually a result of not shutting the vehicle off entirely. First ensure that the lock is turned completely to the “off” position. In some cases, this will disengage the key.  
• Check to see if your steering wheel is locked. Similar to the first step, your steering wheel may have a security feature that locks the wheel in place unless the correct key is inserted. This allows your vehicle to remain in place without lurching forward when you start the engine. Sometimes this system can malfunction, trapping your key in the lock. The potential fix for this is to gentle rotate your steering wheel from side to side, increasing the rapidness of this motion. It may kick the steering wheel loose and allow you to free your key. 
• Inspect for an obstruction. Sometimes dirt and debris can get into your ignition cylinder and trap the key inside. If it’s on the outside of the keyhole, you may be able to remove it with a sharp, small implement like a safety pin. Use a flashlight to determine if there is visible debris, but use great care in removing it. 
• Call a locksmith. If you’ve followed the previous steps but your car key is still wedged firmly in your ignition, it’s probably time to call a professional locksmith for assistance. A locksmith will be able to assess your ignition lock and key and determine the source of the troubles. You may need a new ignition cylinder or your locksmith may be able to remove the stuck key with precision tools. It all depends on your individual situation. 

Preventative Measures

Whether you’ve just experienced the frustration of getting your car key stuck in your ignition lock, or you just want to prevent the situation from occurring, the following measures can be of assistance.   

• Keep your lock cylinder lubricated. At least once or twice a year, or any time you notice your key sticking in the lock, spray some WD-40 or similar general-purpose lubricant into your ignition cylinder to keep things running smoothly. 
• Inspect your key for damage regularly. Inspect the metal teeth on your key from time to time for signs of wear and tear or damage. Never use your key for anything other than its intended purpose, such as to open tape on a package or to open a bottle. If you notice your key is having trouble getting into the lock or turning, have it replaced by a professional. 
• Keep your lock cylinder clear. Dirt and debris have a frustrating habit of finding their way into your lock cylinder. These can compact and cause an obstruction that can lock your key in place. 

Getting your key stuck in your ignition cylinder can be very frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Handling the situation using the following guidance goes a long way toward guaranteeing a smooth outcome.