Why is my key stuck in the ignition

Even if you use your car keys only twice a day, it’s still a considerable number of operations. However, while using them for their intended purpose, many of us have developed a habit of playing with them while waiting on a line, talking with people, or simply being distracted by something else. Many times keys are placed at the edge of a desk or counter and find their way to the floor in a big splash of sound. These little mishaps can cause damage to your keys. No wonder an object that bears so much attention can suddenly break, stop working, or get stuck in the ignition. The last scenario tends to be even more frustrating than breakage. If the key sometimes seems to be acting a bit stubborn it may seem that the only thing you need is to apply a bit more power and pull the key out. Unfortunately, this might complicate things even further because a stuck key is a problem that almost always needs professional intervention. However, there are cases where you can resolve the issue yourself. Just keep on reading and you will find the answer by reading our new blog post. Sure Lock & Key helps people not only by providing services but also by answering complicated locksmithing-related questions!

Why might a key be stuck in the ignition

There are only two possible answers. The problem might be in your key or ignition. If the ignition cylinder is damaged, it could lead to even more significant trouble while attempting to get your key out, especially if applying force. A hastily made decision may lead to a very expensive, unexpected outcome of damages that needn't have happened.

To remove the broken key from the ignition is usually harder and takes more time than removing a whole key. There are several rows of spring-loaded pins inside the lock. If one of them is damaged, you may not be able to get your key out.

First of all the simple reason why the key might be stuck in the ignition is because your parking gear isn’t set properly. If you have a vehicle with automatic transmission, you should reset your gear to a park position and then simply try to remove your key. If your car has a manual transmission, switch to the neutral gear and try to pull the key out.

Another reason the key might be stuck is that something is wrong with the battery. The ignition system might not work well and even lock up if the key battery is dead or nearly dead. In this case, you won’t be able to get the key out of the ignition. It's one of the most common ignition issues, but most drivers do not know about it. Also, make sure that your automotive battery works well. That might be another reason you can’t get your key out of the ignition. If not, use a car battery booster or install a new cell. Also, ensure that your car key is not damaged. You should also be aware that opening packages and boxes with your keys, could cause damage to your key. At first glance, the scratch may be tiny, but it might turn out to be critical.

What to do if a car key is stuck in the ignition

If the key is already stuck, the first thing to do is remain calm. Actually, that’s a golden rule for every locksmith-related issue. Try not to make rapid movements or remove the key with force. That could give you more trouble and make the situation worse. When a broken key is inside the ignition, extracting the remains and making a new one will take much more time and will probably be more costly.

However, what to do if your car key is stuck in the ignition, but the reasons described above seem not to relate to your particular situation? There’s always the option to call your local locksmith.

Call a locksmith for car key extraction

Today may be the day if you don't know what an automotive locksmith is and when you might need one. That is a technician who knows everything about car key replacement, car lockout, car trunk lockout, and car key extraction, of course. When your keys are locked in the ignition, an automotive locksmith is the one to help you. The best part is that you will get professional help on the spot.

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Summing Up

Everything depends on the situation itself, but it's always better to know what has happened and what can be done. However, if you are not sure that you can handle it yourself, it’s better to go for a professional. With 35 years of experience of coast to coast operations, Sure Lock & Key is a leader in the fields of locksmithing and Security in the U.S. and is therefore hopefully viewed as an excellent option. We use hi-tech, state-of-the-art mobile service vans to reach you as quickly as possible. Moreover, we are available to assist you 24 hours a day throughout the year. Contact us to get that stubborn key out of the ignition. We are here to help, after all, it’s our job and we love what we do.

At least once, every car owner has experienced difficulties when turning the key in the ignition. It may be just a temporary issue, it may be because of the lack of strength you put in, etc. But very often it means that you need professional help. Don’t worry. Ignition issues are pretty common, and here is what you need to know in such a situation!

The Most Frequent Ignition Issues And How To Fix Them

It takes only a few seconds to start a car, but there are a whole set of actions that take place in your vehicle. When we put a key into the ignition and turn it, we don’t think about what actually happens that allows us to drive. However, when something suddenly goes wrong and the car doesn’t work, we certainly recognize this immediately. Even though there are hundreds of different car models, they almost all share the same reasons as to why the ignition doesn’t work. Sure Lock & Key has prepared, for you, a list of possible problems and helpful suggestions on how to fix them.

4 Tips To Avoid Locking Your Keys in Your Car

Many of us have locked keys in a car at least once. Believe us, sometimes it happens even to locksmiths, so we understand how frustrating that can be, especially if you have somewhere to go or worse you're in a rush. If you don't have a spare key handy, there is little you can do once you close the car door and realize the keys are still hanging in the ignition or on the seat. The following tips are helpful to keep in mind when you're behind the wheel, and they may save you the trouble and embarrassment of locking your keys in the car. We created them from both our and our customers' experiences.

Why is my key stuck in the ignition

Why might a key be stuck in the ignition

What to do if a car key is stuck in the ignition

Call a locksmith for car key extraction

Summing Up

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