Why is my key stuck in the ignition and wont come out?
A stuck key is usually caused by a steering wheel lock, the shift lever not fully in Park, a worn key or ignition cylinder, or a weak or dead battery. Other factors can include dirt or corrosion inside the ignition, or an immobilizer/security issue. The exact cause depends on how your car behaves when you try to turn or remove the key.
Common causes
These are the most frequent reasons drivers encounter a key that won’t come out, along with quick checks you can perform before calling for help.
- Steering wheel lock engaged: The wheel can latch when you turn off the engine, preventing the key from releasing. Try gently wiggling the steering wheel left and right while turning the key to the OFF/LOCK position.
- Gear selector not fully in Park: For automatic transmissions, the ignition interlock often won’t release if the shift lever isn’t firmly in Park. Make sure the car is truly in Park and the parking brake is engaged.
- Dead or weak battery: A dying battery can affect the ignition locking mechanism and electrical interlocks, making it hard to turn the key to OFF or remove it. If possible, attempt a jump start to restore enough power to release the key.
- Worn or damaged key or ignition cylinder: A key with worn cuts or a damaged ignition cylinder can jam the pins inside. If a spare key works, the original key is likely worn; if neither key works, the cylinder may be worn or damaged.
- Dirt, debris, or corrosion inside the ignition: Buildup can stiffen the cylinder and trap the key. A dry graphite lubricant can help, but avoid oil-based lubricants that can attract more dirt.
- Immobilizer or security system issue: If the vehicle’s immobilizer isn’t recognizing the key, the ignition may stay locked. Look for a security light on the dashboard; if it’s blinking or on, the system may be at fault.
- Mechanical binding in the steering column: A seized or misaligned steering column lock can physically hold the key in place, especially if the car has high mileage or wear.
In most cases, confirming the above conditions will help you determine whether you can fix the issue yourself or if professional help is needed.
How to troubleshoot safely
Follow these steps to diagnose and address a stuck key without risking damage to the ignition or steering system.
- Gently wiggle the steering wheel while turning the key to the OFF/LOCK position to release a potential steering lock.
- Ensure the gear selector is fully in Park (automatic) and that the parking brake is engaged.
- Try the spare key: if it works, your original key is likely worn or damaged.
- Check the battery: if the battery is dead or very weak, try jump-starting the car to restore power needed to release the ignition.
- Inspect for immobilizer indicators: if the security light is active or flashing, the immobilizer may be preventing key removal; proceed with caution and consider dealer assistance.
Concluding guidance: If the key remains stuck after these steps, do not force it. Forcing can break the key or damage the ignition cylinder, potentially leading to a costly repair.
When to seek professional help
Contact roadside assistance, a locksmith, or your dealership if:
- The key still won’t come out despite following safe troubleshooting steps.
- You suspect the ignition cylinder is physically damaged or seized.
- The steering wheel cannot be turned or the column lock is binding.
- The immobilizer or security system indicates a fault and you don’t have a working spare key.
Professional help can safely extract a jammed key, replace a worn ignition cylinder, or address immobilizer issues without causing further damage.
Safety tips and prevention
Preventive measures can reduce the chances of a future incident:
- Keep a clean, unused spare key in good condition and avoid carrying multiple worn keys on the same ring.
- Maintain your car battery and electrical system; a healthy battery reduces interlock issues.
- Avoid forcing the key; if the wheel locks or the gear selector isn’t fully in Park, pause and reassess rather than applying heavy torque.
- Periodically inspect the ignition cylinder for wear or loose components and have it serviced if you notice stiffness or irregular resistance.
- If you notice repeated immobilizer or security light issues, have the system checked by a professional.
Regular maintenance and early attention to ignition problems can prevent renewals of the same issue.
Summary
A key stuck in the ignition is usually caused by a steering wheel lock, a misaligned or non-fully-engaged gear selector, a worn key or cylinder, or a weak battery. Diagnose by gently wiggling the wheel, confirming Park, trying a spare key, and checking the battery and immobilizer lights. If the issue persists, seek professional help to avoid damaging the ignition or steering system. Keeping spare keys and maintaining the battery can help prevent recurrence.
Can I spray WD-40 in an ignition switch?
No, you should not spray regular WD-40 into an ignition switch because it can attract dirt and dust over time, making the problem worse and potentially causing damage. It is best to use a graphite or dry silicone lubricant specifically designed for locks and ignition cylinders.
This video demonstrates how to lubricate a sticky ignition switch with graphite lubricant: 56sTwoWheelObsessionYouTube · Jan 14, 2018
Why you should avoid WD-40
- Attracts dirt: WD-40 is a solvent and water displacer, but its oily residue can attract dirt and dust, which will mix with the lubricant to form a gritty paste. This can cause the lock mechanism to seize up, making the key difficult to turn.
- Can cause damage: Its solvent properties can also potentially damage plastic components within the ignition switch, and its tendency to thicken over time is not ideal for lock cylinders.
- Temporary fix: While it might provide a temporary fix, the long-term effects are negative and can lead to a more serious and costly repair.
What to use instead
- Graphite lubricant: This is a dry lubricant that will not attract dirt and is ideal for lock cylinders.
- Dry silicone spray: Similar to graphite, this is a dry, non-stick lubricant specifically made for locks that will not attract dirt and residue.
- Contact cleaner: If the issue is dirt and grime, an electrical contact cleaner can be used to clean the contacts first, followed by a proper dry lubricant.
- How to apply: Spray the dry lubricant directly into the key slot and work the key in and out several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
What would cause the ignition to lock up?
Your ignition is likely locked due to a locked steering wheel, an improperly set gear shifter, or a worn-out key or ignition cylinder. Other potential causes include a dead car battery or debris in the keyway.
This video demonstrates how to unlock the steering wheel and ignition: 43sWorld DrivingYouTube · Feb 7, 2019
Common causes and solutions
- Steering wheel lock: The steering wheel can become locked when it's turned tightly after the car is turned off.
- Solution: Gently turn the steering wheel left and right while simultaneously turning the key. The wheel should move slightly to one side, and the key should turn when you find the correct pressure.
- Gear shift not in Park: The key cannot be removed if the gear shifter isn't fully in Park (or Neutral for manual transmissions).
- Solution: Make sure the shifter is completely in the Park position. You may need to wiggle it slightly to ensure it's fully engaged before the key can be turned.
- Worn or damaged key: Over time, the cuts on the key can wear down, and the key can become bent or damaged.
- Solution: Try another key if you have one. If that doesn't work, the key may need to be replaced by a locksmith or dealer.
- Worn or damaged ignition: The internal pins and wafers inside the ignition cylinder can wear out or break over time.
- Solution: You can try using a small amount of graphite lubricant, but if the problem persists, the ignition cylinder may need professional servicing or replacement.
- Dead car battery: A dead battery can prevent a car with modern ignition systems from starting or releasing the key.
- Solution: Try jump-starting the car. If it starts, you'll need to diagnose why the battery died.
- Debris: Dirt, dust, or other debris can get into the ignition keyway and cause a jam.
- Solution: Gently clean the keyway. A small amount of lubricant can also help, but avoid using oil-based lubricants like WD-40, which can attract more dirt over time.
What to avoid
- Do not use force: Never try to force the key or the steering wheel. This can damage the key, the ignition cylinder, or other components.
- Do not use oil-based lubricants: Oil-based lubricants can attract dirt and make the problem worse in the long run.
How to remove a key if it's stuck?
These are usually at the top bottom or sides. Gently insert the hook into one of these spaces. Push it in slowly as deep as you can until you reach the level of the broken.
