Your car key not working can be due to a number of factors. Some of these explanations might be connected to a unique issue with a certain make and model of car. The majority of significant sticking causes, nevertheless, are common to all makes and models of vehicles.
Simply comprehending these factors will enable you to identify the issue’s answer. The top 7 reasons why a key gets stuck in the ignition are listed below.
In This Article...
#1Parking Gear Not Set
Before attempting to remove a car key from the ignition, the transmission’s gear must always be in the “Park” position. The key won’t turn in an automatic transmission if the gear is in drive, neutral, or any other available gear. Make sure the gear shifter in a manual transmission is in the neutral position and not any other gear.
Sometimes folks will try to shift into park, but the gear may not move all the way over. Check the digital screen on your car to see if the “P” is illuminated and shows the gear settings.
#2Steering Wheel Lock
The steering wheel lock will engage if you turn off your car while still turning the wheel a tiny amount. Not only will this make it impossible for you to spin the steering wheel, but it will also make it impossible for you to remove the key from the ignition.
This is because the steering wheel lock and the ignition cylinder lock simultaneously. Try rotating the key while moving the steering wheel to release both locks simultaneously. You should now be able to remove the key or turn the ignition.
#3Debris on Key
Some people enjoy using their car key to open parcels and shipments. Even though it might be successful in tearing through the box tape, it might also cause tape fragments to adhere to the key.
It will be more difficult for the key to contact the ignition cylinder’s pins if you insert the key into the ignition of your car while the tape is still adhered to it.
#4Dead Battery
For proper operation, the ignition system needs juice from the battery. The ignition mechanism will probably lock up if the battery dies. The key won’t come out of the ignition after that.
The best course of action in this situation is to wait for a new battery or jump start to be installed. Alternately, lightly tap the cylinder with a tack hammer.
#5Worn or Damaged Key
Over time, car keys can sustain a lot of damage. The key gets somewhat worn every time you spin it after inserting it in the ignition. You can put your car key on a hard surfaced desk or leave it in your pocket while not in use. Your automobile key will gradually be damaged by this kind of mistreatment.
It will be more difficult to remove it from the ignition if it ever bends or develops a tiny crack someplace. If you begin to notice this damage, replace the key right away.
#6Damaged Ignition Cylinder
Your key may not be able to exit the ignition if your ignition lock cylinder is about to fail. This is so that when your key is inserted, one of the rows of spring-loaded pins in the ignition lock will line up with the shape of your key.
You might be unable to remove the key if these pins are only slightly misaligned (or even inserting it in the first place).
#7Manufacturer Recall or TSB
It’s unlikely, but it’s possible that the ignition lock cylinder on your specific year, make, and model of automobile or truck is the subject of a recall or technical service bulletin (TSB).
By entering your VIN number into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, you can see if your car is affected. It’s a good idea to find out the status of any more pending recalls or TSBs even if it’s not the case.
How do I remove my Toyota Camry 2021’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.
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.
My Toyota key is stuck in the ignition; why is that?
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.
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.
On a Toyota Camry, how do you unlock the ignition switch?
4 responses. Turn your key while firmly twisting the steering wheel all the way to the left or right. If that still doesn’t work, try tapping the rear of the key with a wrench. The only other option is to try WD-40 in the keyhole to see if that helps to loosen it.
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.