What to do When Your Car Key is Stuck in the Ignition

Quick answer: If your car key is stuck in the ignition, make sure the car is in Park, gently turn the steering wheel left and right to release the steering lock, then jiggle the key while pressing lightly on the key cylinder. If the key still won’t come out, call a locksmith instead of forcing it.

A car key stuck in the ignition or when your car keys won’t turn is a common problem that is usually easy to resolve. A stuck key is not the same as a broken key — in the latter case, the head of the key breaks off when you attempt to turn it. This will usually require removing the broken portion of the key by inserting a pair of needle-nose pliers or an extraction tool into the lock cylinder.

Can’t Get Your Key Out of the Ignition?

If you can’t get your key out of the ignition, you’re not alone. A car key that won’t come out is one of the most common key problems we see, and it’s usually fixable without any damage. Start by working out why the key is stuck, then try the fix that matches.

Why Does a Key Get Stuck in the Ignition?

When an ignition key won’t come out, it usually comes down to one of these causes:

1. A locked steering wheel. If the wheel was turned when you shut the car off, the steering lock can hold the key in place. Try unlocking the steering wheel.
2. A worn key. Over time the grooves on a key wear down, and a worn key can catch on the pins inside the cylinder. Try jiggling the key. If it comes out, ask a locksmith about cutting a new key before the old one stops working altogether.
3. Dirt or debris in the ignition cylinder. Buildup can keep the pins from moving freely. Jiggling the key sometimes frees it. If it doesn’t, a locksmith can take a look.
4. The gear selector or shift lock. An automatic car won’t release the key unless it’s properly in park. On many vehicles the shift lock depends on the battery, so a weak battery can keep the key from coming out. Try shaking the gear slector, and if the battery is weak, deal with that first.
5. A damaged ignition cylinder. If the cylinder itself is damaged, none of the simple fixes will work, and forcing the key can make it worse. This is the time to call a locksmith.

How to Get a Stuck Key Out of the Ignition

A key stuck in the ignition is one of the most common lockout calls we get. If the car key is stuck in the ignition and does not appear to be broken, try these three simple steps.

“Unlocking” the steering wheel

Many vehicles feature a locking mechanism that activates when the steering wheel is turned too far to the left or right. This will also prevent the removal of the key. Turning the wheel in the opposite direction can release the lock acting as an override function to remove your key from ignition.

Jiggling the key

Still having problems with how to remove your key from your car? Another easy method for removing a stuck key is to push down on the key cylinder with your left index finger while simultaneously jiggling the key with your right hand. This can loosen the grasp of the springs and pins located inside the cylinder and allow the key to slide out.

Shaking the gear selector

If your car has an automatic transmission, you won’t be able to remove the key unless the selector is set properly in park or neutral. Gently shaking the selector while in the park position can often remedy the issue.

Using the Ignition Override to Remove the Key

The steering wheel method above works as an ignition override on many vehicles. Here it is step by step:

1. Make sure the engine is off and the car is in park.
2. Gently turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction from where it was last turned, until it moves freely.
3. Hold light pressure on the wheel in that direction.
4. With the wheel held, turn the key to the off or lock position and pull it out.
5. Don’t force the key or the wheel. If it still won’t come out, stop and call a locksmith.

Still can’t get the key out? Ernie’s is a mobile car locksmith, so we can come to you. Contact us or use the call button at the top of the page.

Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition

If the key goes in but won’t turn, it isn’t always stuck. The cause is usually one of three things:

1. The steering lock is engaged. Gently wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you try to turn the key.
2. A worn key. Try a spare. If the spare turns smoothly, your main key is worn and needs replacing. See our key services for car keys.
3. A damaged ignition cylinder. If a spare key won’t turn either, the cylinder may be damaged. Don’t force it. A locksmith can take a look.

Ernie’s: Your Local Maryland Locksmith

If none of these methods do the trick or if your key broke and you need a key replacement, call a professional locksmith for help. Ernie’s Lock Company is a reputable mobile car locksmith serving Riverdale, MD and the surrounding areas that can resolve most key and or ignition issues quickly and efficiently.