What to Do If Your Key is Stuck In Your Ignition

First, ensure you’ve completely turned the key to the off position. You may have parked and it sounds like you’ve turned your car off, but your vehicle is only truly off when the ignition cylinder has been physically turned all the way to the off position. Gently turn your key toward your body until it can’t turn any further, and then gently pull out the key. If this process fails, it may indicate you have an issue with your ignition cylinder.

Another common cause of stuck keys is a locked steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel while the car is off and parked, with the key in the ignition, can lock both the steering wheel and key in place. Locked steering wheels are a common issue, especially when people first enter their cars and use the wheel as leverage to get situated in the driver’s seat. You can easily fix this issue by slowly turning the steering wheel, either to the left or right, while simultaneously turning your key in the ignition to the on position. You should feel or hear an audible click from your ignition and your wheel should turn freely once again.

A more serious issue that requires a professional hand is a broken key. Keys may be made of metal, but they’re still subject to warping, wear and tear over time. If you suspect your key is broken, it’s best to let a locksmith dislodge it for you. It’s possible to break it off yourself and fish the remaining parts out of your ignition with DIY finesse, but a professional can more reliably handle it and prevent you from causing thousands of dollars in damages.

It’s best to let professional locksmiths handle any issues pertaining to the lock itself as ignition cylinder issues are the most difficult to identify without the help of an auto mechanic. If you find the key is not the issue, it’s likely the cylinder. For all key issues, it’s best to contact your local reputable locksmith.