Try pressing the brake pedal and shifting between park and neutral while moving the gear shift lever. steering wheel movement is also somewhat made. All of this should be done while turning and pulling the ignition key. In the end, Joe Mom is right. You might need to contact a locksmith to carry out a repair or replacement.
In This Article...
Make Sure You’re in Park (parking mode)
Are you sure you’re in park? I know that sounds dumb and very, very common sense. If so, the automatic transmission in your car probably won’t let the key out unless you put it in park mode. The shift interlock, a safety mechanism, is to blame for this.
Wriggle Your Steering Wheel to Get the Locking Steering Column to Release the Key
Most cars have a locking steering column as an option. Once you take the key out of the ignition, it will lock up. That is intended to deter car thieves. If the locking steering column malfunctions, excessive pressure is applied to the ignition switch, which keeps the key in the Corolla locked.
You can get your key while your vehicle is in parking mode by turning the steering wheel.
Disconnect the Power to the Solenoid
Don’t worry if the aforementioned suggestions haven’t worked thus far. Sam Carmel, the proprietor of Corolla, claims in a “>YouTube video that the starter solenoid found in Corolla vehicles may hold the key (no pun intended) to resolving your problems. This solenoid activates the starter motor of the car by acting as an electromagnet. Two lengthy cables from the starter solenoid connect to the starter motor.
By cutting the wires, you should be able to turn off the solenoid. In the 2010 Corolla, at least, where Carmel focused for his film, the solenoid is located behind the steering wheel. He claims that modifying the solenoid is secure. Hopefully, that will produce the key.
Test Your Car Battery Life
Your Corolla can’t operate without power if the entire interior, including the ignition, is electronic. That usually means that if your automobile battery dies, your key could become seized. There are two clear signs that the problem is with the battery. Do you first notice any inside lights? Can you also start the car?
If the response to either of those two queries was no, your battery has likely died. If you’re not at home, you’ll need to acquire a jump. In order to avoid getting into another awkward situation, make sure you monitor your car battery in the future.
Confirm Your Ignition Lock Cylinder Is Properly Working
A device known as an ignition lock cylinder is found in many vehicles. This is arranged in a row with many pins. When you insert the key into the ignition, a spring inside each of these pins can be released, holding the key in place.
These pins are far from flawless, much like every component of a car. Your key won’t come out of the ignition if there is misalignment or if any of the pin springs become stuck and unable to retract. Smack your ignition lock cylinder with a small hammer, but do so very carefully. After all, you don’t want to damage it. With any luck, a few solid blows will get everything going. If not, a new ignition lock cylinder is probably in order.
A clean ignition lock mechanism is also important. You might have trouble getting your key in or out smoothly due to gunk and particles.
Call a Tow/See a Mechanic
In the worst-case scenario, you might need to call a tow truck to have your car towed and yourself sent home (or work or wherever you were going). If you tried all of the aforementioned fixes and they had no effect, then that is. Most likely, there are deeper issues at play than you can address on your own. Allow a mechanic to handle it.
My automobile key is stuck in the ignition; why?
We’ve worked on enough ignitions to be aware of potential problems. Among the most typical issues are:
- The steering wheel lock is one of the most likely causes of a stuck ignition key. The steering wheel may lock when a car is in park. This is fantastic for preventing theft, but it also stops the key from turning or being taken out of the ignition switch. Sometimes the issue is not with the ignition or the car. It can be a key that has become worn or broken and been stuck in the ignition switch. Pulling or yanking on the key may make it more difficult to remove and may seriously harm the ignition.
- Before beginning an ignition repair on your automobile, double-check that you’re using the right key for the right vehicle and check the key for any damage. We’re not calling you stupidwe’d never do that! Continue reading if you’re positive that the ignition is the source of the issue.
How is a key that is trapped in the ignition removed?
Use these three easy steps if the automobile key is stuck in the ignition but doesn’t appear to be broken.
- releasing the steering wheel’s lock The steering wheel can be locked in place in many cars by a device that engages when it is turned too far to the left or right. This will also stop the key from being taken out. You can remove the key from the ignition by turning the wheel counterclockwise, which will release the lock.
- Turning the key
- Another simple way to free a stuck key is to jiggle it with your right hand while simultaneously pressing down with your left index finger on the key cylinder. This may enable the key to slide out by loosening the grip of the springs and pins inside the cylinder.
- The gear selector being moved
- If your car has an automatic gearbox, the selector must be properly positioned in park or neutral before you can remove the key. Frequently, the problem can be fixed by gently shaking the selector while it is in the park position.