Last Updated on September, 2024
If you’re in a rush and the key in your car’s ignition is not budging. Before you panic, check if your vehicle is not using the safety feature and keeping the key locked in. If that’s the case, put the car in the right gear, and it should let the key go.
If that doesn’t work, wait a few seconds. You can solve this problem by putting the vehicle in parking mode or overriding the function to remove the car keys.
Quick Summary
- It is important to pay attention to your car’s key and ignition and take preventive measures such as keeping them clean and using lock lubricant to avoid problems.
- It is not recommended to force the stuck key out or try to fix the problem yourself, unless you are familiar with the car’s systems.
- To prevent future issues with a stuck key, it is important to pay attention to any warning signs and properly maintain the key and ignition system.
How to Override Function to Remove Key From Ignition?
Solving this stuck key problem should take a little of your time. It depends if the steering wheel is stuck or if it is something more serious. A more severe issue would be related to the ignition module.
You can check the maintenance manual to see if any solution exists to release the key from the ignition switch. If you’re still not reaching any solution, we’re here to break down the steps you can take to free the car key.
The best practice is to ensure ignition system safety. The key stuck in the ignition can be a problem with the ignition switch, the key cylinder, or the steering wheel lock mechanism.
Useful guides:
Should I Force the Stuck Key Out or Seek a Professional?
The ignition key could be stuck because of a problem inside the ignition cylinder. If you try to force it out of the ignition hole, it might damage the steering lock. Instead, if you can’t figure out the problem, it’s best to seek a professional to help you.
Step-By-Step Guide to Override Function to Remove Key From Ignition Switch
If the problem is with the steering wheel locking mechanism, you can wiggle the steering wheel a little bit. The key stuck in the ignition should become free.
Sometimes, that doesn’t work because either the damaged key is worn or it’s possible that it caused the ignition module to get jammed.
Either way, you must get to the bottom of the problem to find a solution. While trying to find the issue, make sure you put the car in “Park” mode so it’s safe.
Step 1: Check for Any Override Slot or a Button
You can look around the steering wheel and find buttons around it. You may have to reach for the owner’s manual to find them. Once you see them, press them and try to turn the key.
You can find a slot called an override slot, insert something minimal and sturdy, and safely remove the key. It can be a paper clip or a small screwdriver. Even if it works out, replace the ignition system before there are more mechanical issues to avoid such situations.
Step 2: Try With a Lock Lubricant
If the stuck key doesn’t come out, a lock lubricant is another method to fix this issue. Ideally, it is used when the key is out of the ignition. But since that’s not possible. You can squirt a tiny amount into the ignition hole and try to move the key inside the ignition cylinder.
This should loosen up the car key, and you can pull it out. Stop trying if you hear any clicking sound or keys getting stuck even more because you can make things worse if the keys break or bend while still inside.
Step 3: Ignition Override Steps
These vehicles come with manuals that you can follow for vehicle-specific instructions. You must decide how to fix this problem depending on whether you can turn the ignition key.
For instance, the car key is not turning at all. Then, you must prepare to call an expert to deal with the stuck key. The keys might turn inside the ignition hole but not come out properly. In this case, gear up because replacing the ignition module yourself is not complicated.
Before calling for help, you can check the battery because sometimes, a dead battery can cause the ignition to get locked.
Step 4: Disconnect the Battery for Steering Column
The first thing to do is to shut the power by disconnecting the battery. Do this by disconnecting the negative terminal from the vehicle’s battery.
Now, you can safely remove the panels around the steering column. Be careful with all the tiny screws, and it will slide out. You will see the bare components of the steering stick and the ignition lock.
Turn the key to the accessory mode, but don’t start the car.
Step 5: Remove the Ignition Module
The ignition switch should slide out easily. There are very narrow screwdrivers to work with such locks. Press the pin with a narrow screwdriver, and you’ll have the module in your hand. You must keep the driver’s manual to ensure the interior isn’t damaged.
Step 6: Place in the New Ignition Module
Keep the release pin pressed and insert the new ignition cylinder, but don’t force it. You will hear a click when it is in position. You can keep trying until it works. You must test the new system immediately instead of putting all the interiors back around the ignition switch.
Reconnect the battery to restore the car and ensure the switch is properly installed. You should now be able to insert and pull out the key freely. You can start the car and take it out of “Park.”
When the keys are free, you can remove the battery and put the interior pieces around the steering column.
Step 7: Reconnect the Battery
Put everything back to its original position, and your work here is done. We recommend drivers have at least this much knowledge to be able to replace and work with their cars.
Step 8: Preventive Tips for the Future
The locking mechanisms of many recent models of cars usually cause the issue of keys getting stuck. No matter your model, the steering wheel can lock a vehicle. The purpose behind creating this kind of mechanism is to avoid car thefts.
While it may have worked to keep the cars safe, It can sometimes get the key stuck in the ignition. You can prevent this by being careful enough not to ignore a worn key. Furthermore, keep the ignition area cleaned up.
You can use a lock lubricant with your car key to keep it seamless, and if you feel the key getting stuck even a little bit, pay attention to the warnings.
Step 9: What to Do in Emergency Cases
Here is what you can do if the key is stuck and it’s an emergency:
- Put the car’s gear lever in park mode. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. Sometimes, the wrong gear causes the keys to get stuck in the ignition.
- Find the override slots and press the button to free the stuck key.
- If the car key is still stuck, seek a professional.
Step 10: Get a Locksmith to Help
A locksmith can help you find a solution much faster. You can trust them to have some mechanical trick to help your car. A qualified professional starts from the ignition step one to effectively release the key from the ignition cylinder.
They will be able to disconnect and replace the ignition better. They have better knowledge of the process. Cars with advanced components can intimidate you if you don’t have any experience with them.
Call us for reliable locksmith service.
What Causes a Car Key to Get Stuck in the Ignition?
Steering Wheel Locking Mechanism
The key stuck in the ignition can be because of the locking mechanism most cars have these days. It prevents car thefts, and this problem occurs if the gear is parked.
Malfunctioning Key Stuck in the Ignition
The keys can be damaged easily. Even if it has a tiny bend or wear, it can malfunction the system.
In the End
It all comes down to how much attention you pay to your car. If the keys get stuck, it means that there were some warning signs of the keys struggling to go in or come out of the ignition.
Keep the keys clean, and don’t let them wear out. The ignition hole can also wear out and cause problems, so use lock lubricant to keep the keys clean.
