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Why is my key stuck in the ignition?
I just pulled into a parking spot, but I can’t get out of my car because my key is stuck in the ignition. Do you know why this is happening?
Lindsey Hoover · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
When your vehicle is parked, the steering wheel locking mechanism becomes activated, which may cause your key to stick in the ignition.
The steering wheel locking mechanism is great for theft prevention, but it can also prevent you from turning or removing your
car key
from the ignition. While the steering wheel locking mechanism is the most common reason keys get stuck in the ignition, it’s not the only one. Below we list other reasons why you can’t remove your key:
- Incorrect gear setting. Make sure your vehicle is placed in park before you attempt to remove your key.
- Debris on key
- Dead vehicle battery
- Damaged key
- Damaged ignition cylinder
If you’re unable to remove your key from the ignition after troubleshooting the issue, you may need to call a mechanic. The issue is most likely a damaged ignition cylinder.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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