How To Get A Key Unstuck From The Ignition

When you’re in a hurry to leave and your car won’t start, you might be tempted to call it quits. But there’s probably something simple keeping your car from starting. The ignition key is a small, delicate piece that’s prone to get stuck from time to time. When this happens, it can prevent your car from starting. This guide will teach you how to get a key unstuck from the ignition so you can get on with your day!

How To Get A Key Unstuck From The Ignition? 

Change the Battery

If you have a remote keyless entry (RKE) system in your car, you could have a dead battery. RKE systems are powered by batteries and when the battery dies, you can’t open or start your car. If the battery is dead, you will not be able to get your key unstuck from the ignition. To resolve this issue, change the battery of the RKE system. Once the battery is charged, you should be able to start your car again with the remote. If the car has a manual door lock system, the RKE battery dying is not the cause. If the car has a manual door lock system, the RKE battery dying is not the cause.

Warm up the Key

Another way to get a key unstuck from the ignition is to warm up the key. When a key gets cold, it contracts and gets smaller in size. When this happens, it can get stuck in the ignition. You can warm up the key by putting it in your pocket or between your warm hands. Warming up the key will make it expand to its normal size and get unstuck from the ignition.

Use Oil

Another way to get a key unstuck from the ignition is to apply oil. The same way that a dry key gets stuck in the ignition, a dry key can also get stuck in the ignition because of excess oil. If there is oil all over the ignition, a dry key will get stuck. The best way to resolve this issue is by cleaning off the ignition with a rag and then adding a little bit of oil. The oil will help the key slide in and out smoothly.

Shake and Pull

Another way to get a key unstuck from the ignition is to shake and pull. This is a simple process where you turn the key in the ignition a few times and then pull the key out. The shaking will help the key get unstuck from the ignition while pulling the key out will prevent it from getting stuck again. This is a simple solution but it’s not the best one. The key can get stuck in the ignition due to rust or debris. You need to clean the debris off the ignition and the key before shaking and pulling.

Smash with a Hammer

If none of the methods above are working for you, you may have to smash your key with a hammer. Smash your key with a hammer at a distance from the ignition where the shavings will not get into the car’s electrical system and ruin it. The best way to smash your key is with a cold chisel. This will create very little vibration and will not damage the teeth on the key blade. If the teeth are damaged, the key will not be able to fit in the ignition. Another way to smash your key is with a sledgehammer. This will create a lot of vibration but will break the key easily.

Try a Different Key

Another way to get a remote keyless entry key unstuck from the ignition is to use a different key. If the remote keyless entry key is stuck, use a different key to start the car. If a different key works to start the car, then the original key is broken or stuck in the ignition. The best way to reset this issue is to have the broken key removed from the ignition. If you try to start the car with a broken key, you will damage the starter motor. Once the broken key is removed, try the original key again and see if it works. If the original key works, the remote keyless entry key was broken. If the original key does not work, the remote keyless entry key is broken.

What To Do If Your Key Is Stuck In The Ignition? 

Check your key

First and foremost, you should check the key to make sure the problem is actually in the key. It could just be a broken key that needs to be replaced. If you have AAA (which you should if you’re reading this article), they should be able to come out to you and open your car for free if you have this problem. Make sure you’ve tried all the things on this list before you go and spend money on a new key. If your key is fine, then the problem is likely in the ignition.

Push the button on your remote or key fob

If you have a remote or key fob for your car, try pressing that button. If the car moves at all, then the ignition isn’t the problem. If it doesn’t move at all, then your key is likely getting stuck. A lot of people, especially those with automatic cars, think the key is what’s moving the car. That’s not the case, especially with new cars. The key is just a way to start the car, like the ignition in a classic car. When you put the car in drive, the gears inside are what move the car forward.

Hit the window

If all else fails, try hitting the window near the key. The vibrations from the window hitting against the frame might jostle the key loose enough that you can pull it out. If you’re worried that you might break the window, you can try hitting the door instead. Just remember to use a towel or something to protect the paint on your car’s exterior.

Hit your horn

If you hit your horn, it can cause the car engine to shake. That might be enough to loosen up the key enough that you can take it out. If you have a friend with you, have them turn the key while you hit the horn.

Have someone come to you

If everything else fails, you have a couple of options. You can have a friend come to your car and try to jostle the ignition out. If you have a friend with a bigger build, like a football player or basketball player, they can try to break it loose. You can also call the police and ask for an officer to come to your car and free your key. This can get tricky, though, because you don’t want the officer to break your ignition and leave you stranded.

Tips For Preventing The Key From Getting Stuck In The Ignition

• There are a few things you can do to prevent your key from getting stuck in the ignition. First, try to avoid putting your key on a keychain that’s too heavy. 
• If a key is on a heavy keychain, it can put extra pressure on the ignition that can cause it to get stuck. Be sure not to leave your keys in the car when it’s very hot out. 
• If you leave your keys in your car when the weather is very hot, the ignition will get very hot as well. 
• The ignition is designed to be warm when the car is operating, but it shouldn’t get too hot.
•  If your ignition gets very hot, it can expand and cause your key to getting stuck.

Final Words

If your key gets stuck in the ignition, don’t give up. There’s a chance you can get it loose without calling a locksmith. If you keep trying different techniques, there’s a good chance you’ll get your key out. If it gets to the point where you’re ready to give up, try again in a few hours. You may notice that it gets easier with time as the ignition cools off.