In most cases, when a key gets stuck in the ignition, there are no immediate damages to your car’s engine or hardware. But these problems can still cause unnecessary damage, which has severe consequences.
So if you have ever been in this situation and need to fix the jammed keys, read the article and find out why these problems occur.
10 Reasons a Key Gets Stuck in Ignition
A vehicle key is used to start the engine in a vehicle. A car key is also known as an ignition key and is made of metal. It has a hole in it, which allows a person to insert the ignition into an ignition switch on an engine block or distributor cap. Some keys have a rubberized material covering their shaft; this prevents the key from going through the plastic bumpers that hold oversized wrenches and screwdrivers into place.
The rubberized cover can be split, no longer being able to turn the ignition mechanism. Below are reasons a key gets stuck in the ignition:
1. Damaged Ignition Cylinder
A key gets stuck in the ignition when it becomes damaged or misaligned. This can happen during normal wear and tear and can be caused by improper installation of the key. A broken or bent ignition cylinder is the most common reason a key gets stuck. When this happens, the key will not turn and will not go into any position except “on.”
This is where you need to look at your car’s ignition cylinder. If you’ve never had this problem, something may be wrong with your ignition cylinder. However, if you have had this problem before, other possibilities must be considered before jumping to conclusions.
One possibility is that your car has been involved in an accident that caused damage to the cylinder itself or even its mounting bracket. If this were true, you would see signs of rust on your vehicle’s frame, cladding, and other parts of your engine bay that would indicate extensive damage from a collision or even regular wear.
2. Worn or Damaged Key
The most common reason a key gets stuck in the ignition is that the key is worn out. The IKEA keys are great for this, as they’re made from plastic and can be replaced easily. The problem with IKEA keys is that they’re too small for some vehicles, so you need to check with your local dealer or auto parts store before buying one. If you can’t replace the key yourself, then it’s time to get it fixed by an expert locksmith.
If your key gets stuck in the ignition, try turning it counterclockwise while pushing down on it with your thumb to release it. This will usually work if nothing is blocking the shaft of the key or if it’s bent so that turning it won’t allow access. If this doesn’t work, something may be caught inside the lock cylinder preventing you from getting into your vehicle.
A key that gets stuck in the ignition is not a good thing. Even if you don’t have a spare key, you can usually make it go away by turning the engine off and back on again. If you cannot do this, it may be time for professional help.
The most common reason a key gets stuck in your ignition is damage. If your keys are damaged or worn, they may not work properly when starting your car. This could be caused by something as simple as a loose screw or as damaging as someone accidentally dropping their keys on the floor and stepping on them.
3. Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the more common reasons that a key gets stuck in your ignition. This can happen for several reasons. Still, in most cases, it’s a simple matter of the battery being unable to provide enough power to run the vehicle’s electrical system.
The first thing you should do when you notice that your key won’t work is to check your battery. If it’s fully charged and working, there may be nothing wrong with it. However, if it is close to dying or dead, you’ll want to replace it immediately.
If your battery hasn’t been tested recently and appears to be fully charged, then there’s a chance that the issue could be something more serious than just a dead battery. This can include corrosion or damage from moisture in the air conditioning system, causing components to rust over time, or even poor connections at the terminals of your alternator, causing electrical shorts.
Sometimes just swapping out your old battery for a new one will solve this problem easily enough, but if that doesn’t work, you may need to take things into professional leveler.
4. Debris on Key
There are many reasons a key might get stuck in the ignition. A loose key is often the result of an object being jammed into the lock cylinder, but other problems can prevent the key from turning.
The most common reason a key gets stuck in ignition is that debris has lodged on it. A small amount of debris can cause problems for any vehicle, but it’s more likely to cause problems for older vehicles. The older a car is, the more likely it is to have worn parts that can cause problems with its operation.
In some cases, little bits of debris can fall into the lock cylinder and accumulate over time. This may not be visible externally, but it will still cause problems turning the key. If this happens and you haven’t cleaned out your ignition in a while, your key could also get stuck.
Another common reason keys get stuck in vehicles is that they’re not aligned properly with the cylinder or are too long or short. Some cars may have keys that are too small or too long for their locks, and this can prevent them from turning properly during ignition operation.
This can be caused by sand, dirt, mud, or bird droppings. If you have any of these types of debris on your key and it is not cleaned off right away, it can cause many problems with your vehicle’s operation.
If you notice that your car is running rough or has issues, it may be time to take action immediately. Look for any signs that suggest that your key may be getting stuck in the ignition. These signs include:
- The engine will not crank when trying to start the vehicle.
- The car will not turn over when attempting to start it.
- The lights on the dash will not come on when trying to start the vehicle.
5. Parking Gear Not Set
If the key gets stuck in the ignition, it could be the parking gear. The parking gear is a component that holds the key in place when you’re parked and ready to go. The parking gear keeps the rod from moving forward into the ignition. It also helps prevent it from moving backward, which could cause damage to other parts of your vehicle.
If your parking gear isn’t set correctly or isn’t working properly, your keys will get stuck in your ignition when you try to start your car. If you’re experiencing this problem, you may have forgotten to lock your vehicle.
Set the parking gear or handbrake on your car when you’ve parked your car. If you’re unsure how to do this, ask one of our trained technicians to assist you. If the problem persists, check for any debris in the keyhole area. If something is blocking the key from turning freely in the ignition and causing it to stick, remove it by hand and try again.
6. Manufacturer Recall or TSB
The reason a key gets stuck in the ignition can be one of two things: a manufacturer recall or a technical service bulletin (TSB).
A manufacturer recall is when the manufacturer issues an official notice to owners and dealers that there is an issue with the vehicle, and they must immediately fix the problem. Getting a new key made without paying for it is impossible, so if you have one of these vehicles, you will have to take it to your dealership and have them fix it.
The second reason your key gets stuck in the ignition is a technical service bulletin (TSB). A TSB is an official document issued by GM indicating that there are problems with your vehicle which need immediate attention. To fix problems listed in a TSB, you will need to have your dealer order parts from GM and then they will install them for free.
7. Steering Wheel Lock
A steering wheel lock is a device that prevents the steering wheel from turning. It can be used to prevent theft and vandalism, or it can be used to help repair a car. In most cases, a steering wheel lock is installed in the steering column. It can also be installed on the steering wheel itself.
When installed on the steering wheel, it must be removed before starting up the car so that you can make sure it has not been tampered with or damaged by someone else. The same applies when it is installed on the steering column—you must remove it before starting up your vehicle so that you know it hasn’t been damaged by someone else or intentionally damaged.
When a key gets stuck in the ignition, it is not always due to an issue with the ignition itself. There are many possible reasons that a key may become jammed. The most common reason is that you have locked yourself out of your car. Once you have removed the jammed key, you can use a master key to get back inside.
Another common cause of a stuck key is when you have put your keys in the wrong spot and cannot fit correctly into the lock. If you have an older car, it may be possible that the steering wheel lock has become stuck due to dirt or grease buildup on the mechanism, causing friction and preventing movement between the steering wheel and transmission shafts, causing them to become entangled.
8. Key Not Original or Compatible With Car
The most common reason a key gets stuck in the ignition is that the key is not original or compatible with your car. Suppose you notice that the key is not working. A key can get stuck in a car’s ignition if it is not original or compatible with the vehicle. The most common reason is that the keychain has been replaced with a non-original keychain.
If you have removed your old keychain and replaced it with another one, you may have also forgotten to change the tag on your new keychain. You can take several steps to determine why it won’t turn.
- Turn off the car.
- Please remove all of the keys from their spots in your car’s ignition and place them on a flat surface (like a table or countertop).
- If your car has more than one key, remove all but only keep one key in each slot. This will help ensure that any new keys are compatible with your vehicle’s system and will work properly when inserted into an ignition lock cylinder (a plastic shell that holds multiple keys).
- If you have an automatic transmission, check to make sure there isn’t any debris in the keyway area of your transmission because this can cause it to stick and prevent it from turning easily once inserted into an ignition lock cylinder (a plastic shell that holds multiple keys).
9. Faulty Shift Interlock
Your car’s ignition system is a complex network of electrical components that must be maintained in good condition. If the shift interlock is not functioning properly, your car may not start or run because it assumes that the key has been removed from the ignition.
A faulty shift interlock can cause your key to get stuck in the ignition. It’s an easy fix if you know what you’re doing, but it’s not a job for the faint of heart. A shift interlock is a safety device that prevents your car from starting if it detects that you’ve put it into park or reverse without first turning off the ignition.
The shift interlock is typically located near the steering column and gives off a warning signal when you try to turn off the car with the engine still running. If you don’t stop in time, it will prevent your car from starting up again until you remove one foot from the brake pedal or press down on the clutch pedal for five seconds. The shift interlock can fail for several reasons:
- The actuator needs to be replaced. It may be damaged due to corrosion or wear and tear over time.
- The cable may be worn out and needs replacing.
- The solenoid needs to be tested or replaced.
10. Worn Tumblers
There are many reasons a key gets stuck in the ignition. One of the most common reasons is wearing tumblers. The tumblers wear over time and stick when they get too worn down. When a key is jammed in the ignition and won’t turn, you can try to wiggle it around to see if it’s loose.
If that doesn’t work, you should consider having your ignition replaced. This can be done by taking it to a mechanic specializing in this type of repair or by doing it yourself with the proper tools and equipment
A worn tumbler is one of the most common causes of a stuck key in the ignition. The tumblers are made of hardened steel, and they wear over time as they are used to push the key into position. The friction between the key and the tumbler wears down the surface area until it no longer slides easily into position. When this happens, your vehicle will not start unless you use a special tool to remove your key from the ignition.
5 Ways How to Fix a Key Stuck in the ignition
Key stuck in ignition is quite a common problem. This can happen for various reasons, such as a dirty ignition switch or a worn-out tumbler in the cylinder lock. However, there are some steps that you can follow to fix it easily, below are the methods of fixing a key stuck in the ignition:
1. Set Parking Gear
If you’re using your car to transport goods, it’s probably a good idea to ensure the parking gear is set to set the parking gear:
- Remove all the keys from the ignition and press the parking gear release button on the dash. This will release a spring, pushing down on a lever underneath your car.
- Move the lever up and hold it there until it says “parked.”
- Once this happens, place your key into the ignition and turn it on your engine.
- Let go of this lever and press up on it again until you hear it click into place.
2. Key Broke Off in the Ignition
If your key broke off in the ignition, you’d need to replace it. Depending on how far it broke off and what type of key, you may be able to fix it yourself or get a professional to do it for you.
How to Replace a Broken Key in an Ignition:
- If the tip of your key broke off and is stuck in the ignition, use a small screwdriver to pry out the remaining prongs. Try another key from your car’s keychain if this doesn’t work. The keys are identical so try them in both places until one fits. You’re looking for one that fits snugly but is not too tight. If you can’t find one with the same number of pins as your original, pull out all but two pins on the new key and insert them into the ignition (one in each cylinder).
- Once you’ve found a replacement that fits snugly enough and doesn’t require modification, check your owner’s manual for instructions on removing a broken key from an ignition cylinder. Most manuals will tell you how many screws hold each cylinder together (usually four). Still, some may also include diagrams showing where each pin sits so you can find them easily without looking at your owner’s manual every time!
3. Debris on Key
The first thing you should do is remove the key and inspect it. If you see any debris on the key, use a toothpick or other blunt object to clear it off and check for damage to the key. If there are no signs of damage, clean the key with water and soap.
If you have a squeaky or broken ignition lock cylinder that needs repair, you can also try this method:
- Place a towel under your car’s hood. Turn the key in both directions until it stops. This will pop off any debris lodged in the ignition switch.
- Try turning your key again but don’t turn back yet. When starting your car with this method, it can get stuck in “park” mode instead of turning over just because there isn’t enough pressure on the key’s pointy end to swing freely through its path (if this happens, give it some more time).
4. Fixing A Locked Steering Wheel
If the steering wheel lock is stuck in place, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it out using the following steps:
- Make sure that you have the correct key for your vehicle. If you don’t, you will have to replace it with a new one.
- Turn the ignition switch to “on” and remove the key from the ignition cylinder.
- Remove any screws holding the steering wheel lock on both sides of the steering column. These should be located near where each arm of your steering wheel attaches to it.
- Remove any screws holding the steering column near where it attaches to your car scars frame (it should not be attached to any other part of your car). This is usually accessed through a small hole in your trunk lid or hood area.
- Pull back on each side of your steering column while pulling up on each arm so that they disconnect from their respective connectors on either side of your steering column. You may need someone else’s help doing this if they are tight or hard to move due to rust or corrosion.
5. Fixing a Damaged Ignition Cylinder
If your car’s ignition has become damaged, you can fix it yourself. The first thing to do is figure out the problem and how to fix it. Then, follow these steps:
- The first step in fixing a key stuck in the ignition is to locate the ignition cylinder. It is usually located on top of your steering column but may be hidden under other parts of your car. To find it, look for an open bolt near your steering wheel, then unscrew it using a spanner.
- Next, remove any damaged parts around your key ring area. This includes all screws and bolts holding down anything heavy, such as speakers and other equipment attached to your car’s dashboard or steering wheel. You should also remove any screws holding down these items if possible; otherwise, you will need to unscrew them later on when trying to fix your key ring again.
Wrapping Up
If your key is stuck in the ignition, you have a problem that needs to be resolved before it gets worse or starts causing other problems. Remember, there’s no point overcomplicating the issue.
If this has happened to you, the best solution is to get the car into the service center immediately so a mechanic can look at it for you. They will likely be able to remove the key relatively easily, perfecting your day once more and ensuring that your car starts when you turn the key next time.