What Are the Reasons Why a Car Won't Start and the Key Can't Be Pulled Out?
3 Answers
When a car won't start and the key can't be pulled out, it is usually due to fuel or electrical system issues. First, check if the fuel level is insufficient. Without gasoline, the car's power source, the engine won't start. If the car won't start due to lack of fuel, you can seek help from nearby car owners, request fuel assistance, or arrange for towing to a gas station as emergency measures. Below are the specific reasons why a car won't start: 1. Insufficient fuel: Without gasoline, the car's power source, the engine won't start. If this is the case, seek help from nearby car owners, request fuel assistance, or arrange for towing to a gas station as emergency measures. 2. Incorrect gear position: For automatic transmission cars, the correct gear positions for starting are usually P (Park) or N (Neutral). Placing the gear in R (Reverse) or other positions not only prevents the car from starting but also poses safety risks. 3. Electrical issues: Common faults that cause a car to not start include blown fuses, open ignition coils, broken low-voltage circuits, detached central ignition wires, distributor leakage, or damaged spark plugs.
A while ago, I drove my automatic transmission car for shopping, but upon returning, I found the car wouldn't start at all, and the key was stuck in the ignition switch, impossible to pull out, leaving me frantic. It wasn't until later that I remembered to check if the gear was in the P position: sure enough, the gear shift lever was still in D and hadn't been pushed back to P. After shifting to P, the key came loose immediately. As for the starting issue, it was likely due to an old, depleted battery causing all systems to fail; I later jump-started it and got it running. This kind of problem is common in automatic transmission models because they have a safety lock mechanism that only allows key operation in P. It's advisable to first check if the gear is properly positioned in such situations, then test the battery voltage or starting system for faults to avoid unnecessary hassle. Developing the habit of parking in P can save a lot of trouble in daily use.
Having driven for over 20 years, I've frequently encountered situations where the car won't start and the key can't be removed. Most commonly, this happens when the automatic transmission gear lever isn't properly pushed to the P (Park) position. If you firmly return the gear selector to the Park position, you'll usually be able to remove the key. When the car fails to start, it's often caused by a chain reaction from a dead battery or a faulty starter motor. Remember to regularly maintain your battery's condition to prevent power loss. For safety, immediately pull over and avoid randomly shifting gears. If this issue recurs frequently, have a professional mechanic inspect the ignition wires and relay box - don't let minor problems escalate. Developing good parking habits in daily driving can significantly reduce such troubles.
