Do you have a Chevy Ride, and your car key is stuck in the ignition; a Chevy Colorado or your car model and make? I guess that’s why you’re reading this piece of article.
It can be so terrifying being in such a spot. Do not panic, so you don’t end up breaking the key in the ignition which could lead to a whole lot of money spent as repairs.
This article has given enough insight on what causes the car key stuck in the ignition and how to pull it off. Let’s be brief and to the point!
Reasons A Car Key Gets Stuck In The Ignition
Some problems can be as confusing as a stuck car key in the ignition. You may be asking, ‘why is my car key stuck in the ignition no car key can be pulled out?
The most common reasons are the easiest to check for, and thus fix. These usual causes are a locked steering wheel, a vehicle that’s not in the park position, or the car computer thinking the key is in the ON position while switched off.
Other causes for a stuck key are debris on the key, a serviceable cylinder, a worn-out key, dead battery, or wrong key stuck in the ignition.
#1. The car is not in the parking position.
Cars manufactured today have several safety features included in their electronic systems. In your automatic transmission, for example, the car key won’t come out if the vehicle is not in the park position.
With manual transmissions, you have to shift the gear lever to the neutral position before pulling out the key. If you own either a manual or automatic transmission vehicle, you already know this.
On an older vehicle, the plastic or rubber shifter track might have bounced up. There could also be dirt or debris on the sidewall preventing the shifter from getting to the park position.
#2. The car is in accessory mode.
Generally, cars that use regular keys also have an accessory position. This accessory mode is just one click after the off mode. It allows a driver to use utilities in the car without having to start the car engine. Like the power lock window and radio.
You probably didn’t remember you left your key in the accessory mode since you were in a hurry. Next time you are unable to pull out your key, try starting your car and making sure it is off all the way to the off position.
#3. Locked steering wheel.
Here’s another safety feat in a car that might cause a scenario of a car key stuck in the ignition but won’t turn off or start – the wheel lock. This kicks in if you force against the steering wheel, such as when shutting the car off.
Wheel locks are designed to prevent turning the steering wheel without having a key ready in the ignition. Regrettably it sometimes locks while the key is turned in the ignition.
#4. Faulty ignition cylinder.
Like most electrical and mechanical components in a car, the ignition lock cylinder fails over time. But what if it fails with the car key inserted? You’ll have a key stuck in the ignition ON position or any key position it was in before the ignition cylinder fails.
One of the ways to ensure your ignition cylinder lasts long is to reduce the number of items on your key holder.
Many things on the keyring will make them sway, which increase the odds of aging and premature wear. Aging and premature wear can also result in the key stuck in the ignition, and the car won’t start nor turn off.
#5. Debris on the key.
Car keys can be tripped by anything which morning any kind of perfection. Bits of rubbish and dirt on car keypreventing it from switching on and off the ignition.
All of us use car key as penknife’ at many instances. To dig out things, open boxes or mail, scratch things, to mention just but a few. Any of these activities can leave debris on the car key.
#6. Dead battery.
The ignition system in your car works with electrical voltage, and if your battery is dead, it may not let you remove the key. A sure sign you may have a key stuck in the ignition because of a dead battery is a repetitive clicking sound when you try starting the vehicle.
Normally, though, a dead battery will not keep you from removing the ignition key, but usually a repeated clicking sound when turning the ignition does mean a dead battery or corroded battery terminals. Other causes can include defective starter motor.
#7. Worn-out ignition key.
The last reason could be a chipped or broken key. Like we said, many of us use our car keys for a couple of things that don’t involve starting the car.
These will cause your car key to become worn faster. Your car key is designed for locking and unlocking doors and starting your car’s ignition. Don’t use your car keys on other things.
Step By Step On How To Get Key Out Of Ignition
Just as there are reasons why a car key might get stuck in the ignition, there are also some instructions on how to extract the key. Let’s take a look at the guides.
Recharge your car battery
Since a dead battery can cause a car key to be stuck in the ignition, recharging the battery will free the key.
If you suspect a low-voltage battery or hear a repeating clicking when turning the key, then recharge the battery. See if it is indeed a low-voltage problem. You can jump-start the car with another battery or from another car.
Shift the gear lever to park
Another common problem for a stuck key in the ignition is pulling out the car key without putting gear shift lever in Park position.
If this is the situation, then make sure the shifter is in Park by wiggling between Park and the neutral position while stepping on brake pedal, then switch the ignition key backwards, and now you can pull out the key.
Unlock steering wheel
As indicated above, a wheel lock is the car maker’s safety feature that keeps steering wheel steady while the key is removed. If the steering wheel locks while the key is in the ignition, Try wiggling it back and forth while gently pulling the ignition key out.
Spray lubricant in the ignition cylinder
If by bad luck the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder due to some debris, oil the lock using any spray lubricant. This can be somewhat tricky as the key is blocking the lock, but you just need a spray lubricant straw to do this. Two good examples of a spray lubricant are WD-40.
Jiggle the ignition
A method that most folks claim works is to apply pressure to the key going into the lock cylinder with the left hand while jiggling the steering wheel with the right.
Try jiggling the key and the steering wheel back and forth while depressing the brake pedal. This will likely pull out the key.
Use the override to get the key out of the ignition
There is probably some kind of override function on your car that can help you get your stuck key out of the ignition. Look for any kind of button that indicates there is an override function. It is usually located at the bottom of the steering column.
You will want to press on this button and hold it, then turn the key back to the “off” position. The key will now come out with ease.
Read fault codes
Did all the steps above prove abortive? Get an OBD2 scanner to pull out all the trouble codes from related units to see if you have a fuse or shifter problem. If you have a more advanced scanner, you can read trouble codes from the ignition switch and immobilizer.
Check the safety key
Many Japanese and American cars Are equipped with an ignition extra lock switch where you have to insert the key and press a button to turn the key freely and remove it. Consult your owner’s booklet to ensure you’re not missing anything.
Consult with the mechanic or professional locksmith
If you have tried the above steps and none works, it’s time to consult your mechanic or professional locksmith. You don’t have many options left.
Let your mechanic or locksmith take a professional look. You likely have a failing ignition lock that needs replacement, or your immobilizer has integrated with the ignition switch and requires a reprogram after replacing the unit.
FAQs.
Q: How much does it cost to get the key out of the ignition?
Cost of getting a broken regular key out of ignition $100-$150 depending on how tricky it is to do. Sometimes a bit more, sometimes a bit less.
If it is a transponder key, will cost more again. They are a more complicated key that sends and receives signals from the vehicle security system.
Transponder keys are inbuilt with microchips that send a signal to the car anti-theft mode, if they sense anything is out of order.
These types of keys will of course attract more difficult work and cost, getting them out of the ignition. The price of getting out a broken transponder key is $250.
Q: How do you know if your ignition lock cylinder is bad?
Like most electrical and mechanical parts in a vehicle, a faulty ignition lock cylinder (also referred to as ignition lock assembly) will give the driver some indications that something is wrong with it.
These are the symptoms;
- Issues in starting the vehicle.
- Car not starting condition.
- Problems inserting and removing the ignition key.
- No noise from the starter motor.
- Flickering dashboard lights.
Q: How do you test an ignition lock cylinder?
Testing An Ignition Lock Cylinder, It’s as easy as ABC. Once you experience any of the symptoms above, don’t jump into a conclusion; first do an ignition lock cylinder test to be sure the cylinder is working.
Find the fuse box beneath your steering wheel and pull out the starter signal fuse.
Check that all the metal bits inside the fuse is not burnt, then replace if they are with a good fuse of the same amp.
Get your voltmeter and switch the dial to the volts setting. With the red probe on the positive battery terminal and the black on the chassis or frame of your car, you should get a reading of, about, 12.6 volts; below that you’ll have to charge or replace your battery.
Put your key in the ignition and crank your engine. Tah da, that’s your ignition lock cylinder working.
But if it did not crank, and you heard a click as the key was turned to the start position, your ignition lock switch too, is working. If not, you probably have a broken or malfunctioning ignition switch.
Q: Can a locksmith get a broken key out of the ignition?
No matter what type of key you have, regular key or transponder key, if it breaks inside the ignition lock cylinder, a good locksmith who knows his onions will get it out.
Q: How long does it take to replace the ignition lock cylinder?
Provided the person or mechanic doing the changing knows his onions and the correct replacement parts and all are available, it will only take 30 to 45 minutes to install the new ignition lock switch.
Final word
Now that you have seen the reasons for a key stuck in the ignition and how to remove it, you are not going to panic whenever you see yourself in such a situation.
If your car key is stuck in the ignition, try my above steps to remove it. They are simple as ABC.
And don’t forget to contact your mechanic if all the above steps turns out abortive. Also, if it’s a broken key, I suggest you get a locksmith to pull it out expertly without doing further harm to the ignition lock cylinder.