What are the reasons why the car key suddenly cannot be pulled out?
2 Answers
The reasons why the car key suddenly cannot be pulled out: 1. After turning off the engine, the key cannot be pulled out because the gear is in P position but does not actually touch the electronic sensor or there are obstacles like coins in the gear slot preventing it from returning to position; 2. The key cannot be turned after insertion due to the car's automatic steering wheel lock function. If the steering wheel is accidentally turned left or right after parking and turning off the engine, or if the wheels are not aligned properly when parking, the steering wheel's self-locking function will activate, causing the steering lock pin and steering column to engage, making the steering wheel immovable. For the first situation, the owner should check if there are any foreign objects blocking the gear slot, remove them, start the car, and shift the gear again to ensure it fully returns to position, then the key can be pulled out; for the second situation, the owner can gently turn the key with the right hand while slightly shaking the steering wheel left and right with the left hand, then the key can be turned.
I've experienced this too! That time in the mall parking lot, I was sweating bullets. Actually, the most common issue is the steering wheel locking up. If you turn the steering wheel after turning off the engine, the anti-theft system will trigger and lock the ignition. Don't force the key out in this case—try gently turning the steering wheel left and right while pulling the key, and it should usually release. Also, for automatic transmission cars, if the gear isn't in P, the key might get stuck; for manual transmission cars, make sure it's in neutral. Another possibility is turning off the engine too quickly before the car's electrical system fully resets. If none of these work, it might be due to internal spring clips jamming or rust in the ignition cylinder, in which case you'll need to spray some lubricant into the lock. Remember, never use brute force—you could end up breaking the key, which would be even more troublesome.
