What causes a key to get stuck in the ignition

Why your key is stuck in the ignition and how to remove it

Getting your key stuck in the ignition is more than just annoying; it’s panic-inducing. You can’t leave the key there; someone might steal your car, and you can’t force it out – you could end up breaking it off. So, what can you do to get back on the road without damaging your car? Find out what causes a key to get stuck in the ignition and how to get your key out.

Your key is stuck because the lock cylinder is gummed up with lint and dirt

If you’re like most drivers, you use your keys for more than just starting your car – you also use them to open packages. That sticky tape residue can accumulate inside the lock cylinder and cause later problems. In addition, every time you pull your keys out of your pocket and insert it

Notice all the moving parts inside the ignition lock cylinder

into the lock cylinder; you move pocket lint and dirt into the lock. That lint and dirt accumulate inside the lock, gumming up the works and causing accelerated wear on the tumblers.

Or, your key is stuck because you’ve used the wrong lubricant

The recommended lubricant for an automotive lock cylinder is a dry graphite lubricant or dry Teflon lube spray. Graphite lubricants are preferred because they don’t attract dust and dirt, which can cause dirt buildup and key jamming.

Dry Teflon lube spray goes into the lock as a liquid. However, once the solvent dries, it leaves behind a light Teflon powder to lubricate the moving parts.

Unfortunately, many drivers use lock lubricants that contain petroleum products like WD-40 or 3-in-1. The oil in those products attracts and holds dirt particles, causing lock tumbler and spring wear that can eventually cause a stuck key condition.

How to get your stuck key out of the ignition

• Check that the shifter is in the PARK position— Make sure the gear selector is in PARK. Every vehicle has a key lockout protection system that prevents you from removing the key in any gear other than PARK. Move the shifter to other gears and then firmly move the shifter back into the PARK position.

• Wiggle the steering wheel— Turning off the engine while moving the steering wheel can cause it to lock and prevent you from removing the key. To resolve this, put the vehicle in Park and gently wiggle the steering wheel while jiggling the key. The vibration from the wiggling and jiggling can often loosen stuck springs and tumblers, allowing you to remove the key.

Using the flexible nozzle on the can spray lacklubricant alongside the key while you jiggle the key

• Use a lock lubricant— Spray an aerosol lock lubricant

alongside the key as you jiggle the key. The force of the spray, along with the jiggling can usually unstick the stuck tumblers.

• Your Battery is Dead— For newer cars with electronic ignition, a dead battery can result in a locked ignition cylinder. If this happens, call roadside assistance or ask a nearby motorist for help jump-starting your car. Once the battery has some charge, start the engine and let it run for a bit to build up power before attempting to remove your key.

© 2015 Rick Muscoplat