
The reasons why the car key cannot be pulled out are: 1. The gear was not shifted to the P position when getting off the car; 2. The steering wheel was not returned to its proper position when parking, causing the steering wheel to lock abnormally. Taking the 2020 Buick Excelle as an example, it is a compact car with body dimensions of 4468mm in length, 1765mm in width, 1469mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2611mm. The fuel tank capacity is 40 liters, and the body weight is 1070kg. The 2020 Buick Excelle features a MacPherson independent front suspension and a compound torsion beam non-independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 107 PS, a maximum torque of 133 Nm, and a maximum power of 79 kW, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Having driven for decades, I've encountered several instances where the car key couldn't be removed. The most common scenario is forgetting to shift the gear back to P (Park) when parking. For automatic transmission vehicles, if not shifted to P, the system will lock the key to prevent accidental operations. Another issue arises when the steering wheel isn't straightened; if the tires press against the curb or the parking position is off, the steering wheel can get stuck, locking the key in place. You'll need to gently turn the steering wheel to find the right angle, and once the lock releases, the key can be removed. Dust or rust in the keyhole can also cause jamming, especially for cars parked outdoors for long periods or exposed to humid conditions during rainy days. Additionally, check if the key itself is deformed or worn out. For smart keys, low battery power might interfere with signal recognition. Developing a habit of shifting to P before turning off the engine and regularly cleaning the keyhole can help avoid these troubles.

From repair experience, the most common reasons for a key getting stuck are the gear not being in Park (P) position or the steering wheel being locked. Avoid pulling hard. First, get in the car, shift the gear lever firmly into P position, then gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right to release the lock—this usually loosens the key. Also, check if the ignition switch is fully turned off, as incomplete shutdown may trigger the key system’s protective lock. Mechanically, wear in the steering column lock cylinder or debris/sand in the keyhole can cause jamming. Those with DIY skills may try cleaning the keyhole slot. More complex issues could involve electrical faults, like a malfunctioning key recognition module, which requires a dealership’s computer diagnostics. To prevent this, always straighten the wheels before turning off the engine.

Never force the removal of a car key, as it can easily damage the lock and increase repair costs. The main reasons include the gear not being in P position, the steering wheel being locked, or the ignition system not being fully turned off. When handling the issue, sit back in the car, ensure the gear is shifted to P, and gently turn the steering wheel to find the unlocking point. For smart remote keys, low battery power may send incorrect signals affecting recognition, so try replacing the battery promptly. Additionally, in extreme temperatures or humid weather, thermal expansion and contraction of metal parts may cause jamming—wait a few minutes before trying again. Safety first; if all else fails, contact a professional repair service immediately to avoid affecting the anti-theft function.

Many modern models use a keyless system, and the inability to remove the key may be due to smart signal interference. Low battery power can cause the receiver to misjudge the status—replacing the coin cell battery might solve the issue. Additionally, the car's computer may misread the gear signal; if the P (Park) gear isn't fully engaged or there's poor contact in the gear lever sensor, it can trigger the lock. Try restarting the vehicle to reset the system. Physically, the steering wheel lock is linked to the key mechanism—slightly adjusting the tires back to center may release it. Occasionally, a circuit board malfunction may require a software update or reflash. For routine maintenance, regularly check the key battery life and gear sensor functionality, and keep the vehicle's software up to date to avoid bugs.

If your friend's has a stuck key, don't panic—try these simple methods first. Get in the car, restart it, and then turn it off completely again, ensuring the gear is shifted back to 'P' before pulling out the key. Gently wiggle the steering wheel or turn the tires a few degrees to release the locked position. If the keyhole is dirty, try cleaning out the dust with a small brush—it might help. For smart remote keys, the issue could be low battery causing recognition problems; replacing the battery might solve it. Most cases are minor like these, though occasionally an aging lock cylinder may jam, requiring a technician to replace parts. Regularly applying anti-rust oil to the keyhole for maintenance is recommended.


