Quick answer: put the car in Park (or neutral in a manual), turn the steering wheel gently side to side while you try the key, check the key is fully in the off position, and check the car’s battery isn’t flat. Don’t force it or use pliers. If it still won’t come out, call us: we get stuck and broken keys out without damaging the ignition.
A key that won’t come out of the ignition is usually the car protecting itself, not a broken lock. Work through these in order; most people are on their way after the second one.
1. Is the car actually in Park?
Automatics won’t release the key unless the gear selector is fully in Park. Push the lever firmly into P, or in a manual, make sure it’s in neutral with the handbrake on. This is the cause more often than anything else.
2. The steering lock has engaged
If the wheel was turned when you switched off, the steering lock can bind the ignition. Turn the wheel gently left and right while you try to withdraw the key. Don’t yank the wheel; a small movement is all it needs.
3. The key isn’t in the off position
Some cars have an accessory position just past off. Turn the key back as far as it goes, then try again. On some models there’s a small release button next to the ignition barrel; press it while you pull the key.
4. The battery is flat
Many cars use an electronic release that needs power. If the dash is dead and the key won’t come out, the battery is probably the problem, not the key. A jump start usually frees it.
5. The key or the barrel is worn
A worn key blade can catch inside a worn barrel. If the key has been sticking for a while and now won’t come out at all, this is likely. A little graphite lubricant on the key helps in the short term, but the fix is a fresh key cut to the lock, not a copy of the worn one.
What not to do
Don’t pull hard, twist, or use pliers on the key. A snapped key in the ignition is a bigger job than a stuck one. Don’t spray WD-40 or oil into the barrel; it gums up the pins. And don’t leave the car unlocked with the key in it overnight.
When to call us
If none of the above works, or the key has already snapped off in the barrel, we come to the car and extract it without damaging the ignition. If the blade is worn, we cut you a fresh key on the spot. See broken key removal. One thing to know: we don’t repair or replace ignition barrels themselves. If the barrel is the problem, we’ll tell you so you can book a mechanic or auto electrician rather than pay us to confirm it.
Common questions
Can I drive with the key stuck in the ignition?
If the engine starts and runs, yes, but you can’t lock the car. Get it looked at the same day.
My key snapped off in the ignition. Can you get it out?
Yes, that’s a routine job for us, and we cut a replacement key at the car. See broken key removal.
Do you fix ignitions?
No. We extract keys and make new ones. Ignition repair or replacement is a mechanic’s job, and we’ll say so if that’s what you need.
Why does my key only get stuck sometimes?
Usually a worn key. It catches on the pins at random. A freshly cut key to the lock, not a copy of the worn one, normally fixes it.
Key stuck right now?
Call 0427 580 823Send an enquiry
More on the car locksmith page. Near the coast: Sorrento.