What You Can Do to Get Your Key Out of Your Ignition

If you’re key is stuck in the ignition your first instinct might be to yank the key out. At Locksmith in Roswell GA in Roswell, Georgia, we would never suggest that you do this as it will simply cause a host of other problems. There is usually a pretty easy way to get your key out without making the problem worse. We are here to explain why this could happen to you and what you can do to address the problem.

Reasons Your Key Could Stick in the Ignition

Loose Cables– Within the dashboard, there are cables. If any of these cables are loose, this will prevent the key from turning in the ignition.

Torn Wheel Lock Cylinder– If the cylinder is not able to make a complete turn, this means it is torn and needs to be repaired before the key will turn.

Dead Battery– If you have a newer model car, it will be impossible to remove your key from the ignition if the battery is dead.

Not in Park– If your car is not in the parked position it will not connect to the right parts, which means the key will not be released until it is in park.

How to Resolve the Problem

Check Key Positioning: The key should be in the locked position. If the cylinders turn past that point, this will make the key jam. This is a problem people who carry a lot of heavy things on their key chain experience. The weight of the keys can wear down the cylinders quicker.

Moving Steering Wheel: By gently moving the steering wheel back and forth, you can sometimes loosen up the key in the ignition. Sometimes, the steering will lock and this can cause the ignition switch to react by locking the key in position. The only way to release the key is to unlock the steering column. In this case, you don’t want to put so much emphasis on the key rather be mindful of the steering wheels positioning.

Park Position: It is possible to place your car in the park position and it is not in the position you are intending on placing it in. The linkage can wear out if the gearshift lever can still be moved once you have actually turned off the ignition. Anytime your car isn’t in the full park position, it will be impossible to remove the key from the ignition.

Dead Battery: This should be the first thing you do whenever you are having trouble removing your key from the ignition, check your battery. If you have a dead battery, it is usually impossible to remove the key. The chip must be properly identified and when it isn’t, you will not be able to turn the key. This is an effective auto-theft prevention mechanism but can become problematic if it is actually your car.

Lubricated Key: If you spay a little electrical cleaner in the space below the key and ignition, it may just provide the slip you need to loosen the key. However, just turn the key slightly while pulling the key out. If you put too much pressure on the key you can actually damage the ignition.

Worn Out or Damaged Key: If your key is worn or damaged, even slightly, it could be the reason for your key sticking within the ignition. Once again, this is where you will have to slowly pull the key toward you and pull out. If you are fortunate enough to get the key out, make sure you do not stick it back in the ignition. Contact a locksmith in Roswell to make you a new key instead. If you keep using a damaged key, this will cause you to damage the ignition.

Key Position: When you force your key in the ignition, sometimes it forces the key into the wrong position. This means the key is not connected to the right mechanism within the ignition. This will not enable you to remove the key. Again, you’ll have to depend on the services of a professional locksmith to carefully remove the key.

If you have tried the above mentioned and you’re still not able to turn the key in the ignition, the problem could be more serious than you imagine. This is quite possible if you have been shoving the key in the ignition for some time now without anything occurring. It is in your best interest to rely on a reputable automotive locksmith to evaluate the situation. If they find that you have damaged the ignition, it might be necessary to replace it. Dealing with a locksmith rather than an auto dealership means they will be able to come to wherever you are to provide you with the assistance that you need. You are able to save money by relying on the services of a locksmith.

Please note that if you do not get help from a qualified locksmith who actually knows what they are doing, the person you hire could make the problem worse. You should hope for an easy resolution because it will be most cost effective. However, if you do not perform your due-diligence and do not hire a reputable locksmith professional, you run the risk of hiring someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. In fact, now that you are aware of some of the steps that can be taken, you’re more likely to be able to disengage the key yourself. Again, if you are not, be patient and relax. A locksmith is only a phone call away and would rather you call on them than make things worse for yourself. We are in the business of helping you at Locksmith in Roswell GA, not worse. Therefore, we will do what we think is best to save you from having to have a new ignition installed. Most locksmiths really do care about there reputation and cannot risk their reputation by providing unreliable service.

 

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