It’s a situation that very few people see coming: you go to turn your vehicle on and your key gets stuck in the ignition lock. You try everything to free it, but it seems like the more you attempt to yank and wiggle the key loose, the more stuck it becomes. Many measures you could take may lead to the situation becoming worse, including causing damage to the ignition cylinder. By following certain steps, you can minimize the damage to your vehicle and ensure the best outcome from the situation. 

Stuck car keys are a more common problem than you may realize which occurs from time to time in the Simpsonville, North Carolina area. While many vehicles may be at risk of this problem due to the natural wear and tear that occurs with frequent, daily use, other vehicles could have mechanical defects that you never suspect until something goes wrong. In any case, the following tips can help you navigate the situation. 

Don’t Allow Yourself to Panic 

First, it’s important to take a deep breath and keep a level head. Even if you’re in a rush, and even though this qualifies as a locksmith emergency, having a panic attack will only cloud your judgement and block you from thinking and acting rationally. Your anxiety or desperation could lead you to make the situation worse. Although the assistance of a professional locksmith may be required if you can’t get your key out of your ignition cylinder, there are a few steps you can take before you make that phone call. 

Make Sure Your Transmission is Correctly Set 

Many vehicles are programmed to only start if the transmission is set to neutral or park as a safety measure to prevent the car from moving at the wrong time. Ensure that your transmission is set to park or neutral and then try turning your key again. 

Ensure the Steering Wheel Isn’t Locked

If you accidentally applied a certain amount of pressure to your steering wheel at the time that the vehicle shut off, it’s possible that the steering pin didn’t disengage and the steering wheel is locked. As part of a vehicle’s safety features, the ignition won’t turn when the steering wheel is locked. Attempt to move your steering wheel back and forth, and if it refuses to move or only moves a slight amount, the likely culprit is that the steering wheel lock is active. 

To fix this problem, gently continue to move the steering wheel from side to side as you turn the key. Don’t put too much pressure on the key, as it can cause the key to snap off. Continue to jiggle the wheel for a few minutes. Often, this will disengage the steering wheel lock and the key will become unstuck, allowing the ignition cylinder lock to move freely again. However, if you’ve attempted this maneuver and it doesn’t seem to help, there is probably another cause behind your key being stuck in your ignition cylinder. 

Check for an Obstruction 

Dirt and other particles can get into your ignition cylinder and cause your key to become stuck as these bits and pieces become compacted and block the pins inside the lock mechanism. If you think this might be the case, attempt to wiggle your key in and out and up and down, taking care not to use too much pressure. Wiggling the key around may allow any obstruction to either come out or kick loose, which will allow the key to engage the specific pins needed to start the vehicle or free your key. 

If this method does work, it’s still important to have your lock and key inspected for additional obstructions or damage. Using a small flashlight, inspect the keyhole to determine if any dust or dirt has gathered inside. If so, use a can of pressurized air to blow the obstruction out of the key cylinder. Inspect your key carefully as well, and if any of the teeth are broken or worn down, contact a locksmith to have it replaced it immediately or you may be at risk of a repeat of the situation.  

If you’ve tried these steps and your vehicle’s key is still stuck in the ignition, it’s time to place a call to a professional automotive locksmith specialist. Your key may be damaged, which is why it’s important to inspect your key from time to time for any wear or tear to the teeth and have it promptly replaced by a locksmith or the dealership if you notice these trouble signs. 

Automotive locksmiths are usually available 24/7 to provide you with immediate assistance for troubles such as broken and stuck key removal. So even if you find yourself stranded in a dark parking lot in the middle of the night, unable to operate your vehicle due to a stuck key in the ignition, you can call for fast help. Not only do you not have to worry about towing fees because the locksmith company will send a technician directly to your location, but locksmiths have the precision tools, equipment, and talent needed to handle any form of automotive security emergency without unnecessary damage to your vehicle’s locks or doors. 

Ignition Cylinder Issues

A vehicle’s ignition cylinder is the housing for the ignition lock itself, and usually fits into the right side of the steering column. Over time, this component can wear down, causing issues such as your vehicle’s key becoming stuck in the ignition lock if it catches on the pins or the steering wheel lock won’t disengage. This part is made removable so a new ignition cylinder can replace a worn or damaged one. 

If it turns out that your ignition cylinder will need to be replaced, a qualified locksmith company will be able to swap your old ignition cylinder out for a brand-new part the same day. Count on a professional locksmith for all of your automotive lock and security needs.