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.
In This Article...
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 Toyota key won’t eject; why?
Depending on the circumstance, you may be able to remove your car key from the ignition. Is this the first time that it has been delayed? Does the ignition keep locking the key inside? Did you already make an attempt to remove the key but fail and break it? Here are the appropriate actions for each scenario.
Set Parking Gear
Your car’s parking gear may not be set, which is the most frequent cause of key difficulty. Verify that your shifter is in the neutral position in a manual transmission or that your gear selector is in the “P” or “Park” position in an automatic transmission.
Jiggle Steering Wheel
If the gear is adjusted correctly and the key still won’t turn, try carefully rocking the steering wheel back and forth while pulling the key out with a gentle tug. When the steering column locks, which is a security and anti-theft function in the majority of cars, it can occasionally put more pressure on the ignition lock mechanism and keep the key from turning. The pressure on the lock is released by slightly turning the steering wheel, and the key should slide out.
Key KEEPS Getting Stuck in the Ignition
Here are a few things to try if you’ve found that it’s become a little bit trickier to insert and remove your key from the ignition over time or if the key keeps getting stuck in the ignition.
WD-40 Spray
A little WD-40 sprayed into the ignition lock might help. The can ought to include a skinny straw that fitsalmost fitsbetween your key and the ignition lock. This extra lubricant may occasionally be sufficient to enable the key to be extracted by gently wiggling it. Once the key is extracted, check it for damage or any indication that it may have been bent. You should have the key changed if that is the case.
Rubbing Alcohol / Adhesive Remover
If the key is undamaged but you see some dirt or grime on it, wipe it carefully with either rubbing alcohol or an adhesive remover (such as Goo Gone).
You might have an issue with the ignition lock if using WD-40 to remove the key doesn’t work and you’ve already tried the two solutions in the section above. A new ignition lock cylinder might be in your future; you should check with a locksmith or technician to be sure.
Key Broke Off in the Ignition
Hopefully, you haven’t experienced this, but if you have, you’re not the first. This typically occurs when a too forceful attempt is made to release a trapped key. What you can do is as follows.
NOTE:Avoid attempting to extract the lower half of the key by re-inserting the broken top half. All you’ll accomplish is making it more challenging for you to remove the broken-off part by pushing it deeper into the lock.
Key Extractor
The broken key can be extracted using a key extraction device. A professional locksmith would frequently use this, and it is typically considerably less expensive than phoning one. There are a few different kinds, but this one works best for extracting a broken-off key from a lock (any type of lock).
Jigsaw Blade
A jigsaw blade can frequently fit just next to the key within the ignition route due to its thinness. Once the blade is inserted, turn it just enough for the notches to latch onto the broken key, and then carefully draw it out.
Tweezers / Needle Nose Pliers
Tweezers or needle nose pliers are a simple solution to get the key out of the ignition if any part of it is still sticking out. However, these tools are probably too thick to be very helpful if the damaged key is totally inside the ignition lock.
Why am I unable to remove my key from the ignition?
Most often, a broken or worn-out vehicle key or faulty ignition wafers are to blame for a car key that is stuck in the ignition and won’t come out.
The following are the three most frequent causes of stuck car keys:
- broken car key Car keys can get broken, worn out, and bent, which makes them stuck.
- Broken Wafers
- The wafers that make up your car’s ignition can bend or break, which results in a jammed key.
- Driving Wheel Lock
- The ignition may lock simultaneously with the steering wheel lock if the steering wheel lock malfunctions.
When the key becomes stuck in the ignition, what does that mean?
It’s likely that you inserted the wrong key if your key is stuck in the ignition and the steering wheel of your car is also locked in place. Most cars include a safety mechanism that locks the steering wheel in case the wrong key is inserted. Turning the steering wheel slowly to the left and then to the right while lightly pressing the key will quickly fix this. As soon as you apply sufficient force, you ought to be able to unlock the steering wheel and take the key out of the slot.
Key stuck in lock: why?
There are many possible causes that could lead to your key becoming caught in the lock and being unable to turn or pull back out. Just a few of the frequent causes are listed below:
- key is used Consequently, the key can be inserted but remain lodged.
- Key was improperly cut.
- A new key may occasionally become stuck due to improperly cut teeth.
- Using the incorrect key is a well-known error that can harm both the key and the lock.
- Lock breaks
- Sometimes the lock itself is to blame for trapping the key.
- incorrect use of a lock
- A key turned improperly or when it wasn’t supposed to be turned could change the form of the key and cause a jam.
Try these basic things first
The need to panic is always present when you believe the key is stuck in the lock or when it refuses to turn. To determine whether the problem is transitory or more serious, try a few things first, but keep your composure. To help prevent making matters worse, consider the following advice and keep in mind to never use force in any direction:
Spray some lubricant on the lock, then gently wiggle the key to see if it will come loose.
Ice
If it’s particularly hot outside, the key or lock may have just stretched. Try cooling them with ice to see if that would cause them to contract, allowing you to remove the key.
Retain the lock.
It might be possible to stabilize the internal mechanism by keeping the lock steady while gently attempting to jiggle the key loose.
These are a few suggestions for getting a key out of a jammed lock, but hiring a reliable locksmith is the best course of action. Additionally, whether or not these suggestions work, you should still call a locksmith to help prevent your key from getting stuck again because, if nothing is done, the problem will inevitably recur.
How can I remove my Toyota Camry’s key?
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.
Can I lock my key fob in my car?
The key fob can be locked inside a car, so the answer is yes. If you need to keep the key fob in the vehicle to prevent theft or damage, you can do this on purpose. It’s also possible for your key fob to inadvertently lock itself inside the vehicle. There are numerous techniques to resolve accidental lockouts.
How do I open my car if the key fob is locked inside?
There are three main ways to get your key fob out of a locked car. You can shift the functional key in the direction of a sensor, tinker with the inside door switches or buttons, or contact a locksmith. If you don’t have the necessary tools or time to complete the job yourself, call a locksmith.
What tools can I use to open a locked car with the key fob inside?
The most adaptable item to use when your key fob becomes trapped in your automobile is a piece of thin, bending metal. Historically, the preferred DIY tool has been an unwound wire hanger. If you use a locksmith’s auto lockout service, they will have the right equipment and there won’t be any chance of the car getting damaged.
Is a locksmith able to open a car with the key fob locked inside?
There are some automotive locksmiths who specialize in unlocking locked vehicles. These locksmiths are knowledgeable about numerous makes and models’ security features and bypasses. Additionally, they have sufficient expertise to guarantee that opening the door won’t damage the car.
Can a smart key lock itself inside a car?
A smart key can be locked inside of your car, but it’s not simple to do. because manufacturers have implemented safety measures. If you forget, there’s no need to worrywe’ll bring you back in no time at all.