What to Do When the Automatic Transmission Key Won't Come Out?
2 Answers
The reason why the key cannot be pulled out after the engine is turned off is that the gear is not fully returned to the P position, or there are obstacles like coins in the gear slot preventing it from returning. In this case, the owner should check if there are any foreign objects blocking the gear slot, remove them, start the car, shift the gear again to ensure it is fully returned, and then the key can be pulled out. More details are as follows: 1. Another situation is when the key cannot be turned after insertion. This is actually the car's steering wheel automatic locking function, a very simple anti-theft feature. It usually happens when, after parking and turning off the engine, the steering wheel is accidentally turned left or right, or the wheels are not straight when parked. The force applied can cause the steering wheel to turn, triggering the self-locking function, where the steering lock pin and steering column engage, making the steering wheel immovable. Even if the key is inserted and turned with force, it won't budge. If you encounter this situation, you can gently turn the key with your right hand while slightly moving the steering wheel left and right with your left hand, and the key will turn. 2. If you can't pull out the key after turning off the engine, don't panic. First, check if the gear is in the correct position. If the gear is fine, try turning the steering wheel slightly.
I was also quite anxious the last time I encountered a situation where the key wouldn't come out—it got stuck after I turned off the engine in a mall parking lot. At first, I thought the car was broken, but after asking a friend, I learned that the common reasons for not being able to remove the key in an automatic transmission car are mostly due to the gear not being shifted back to the P (Park) position or the steering wheel lock not being fully disengaged. Thinking back, I quickly pressed the brake pedal, gently wiggled the steering wheel, and then shifted the gear lever to P to ensure it was properly engaged, after which the key came out smoothly. This mechanism is designed for safety to prevent the car from accidentally starting or rolling. Since then, I’ve developed the habit of carefully checking the gear position before turning off the engine to ensure it’s in P. If you encounter a similar issue, don’t force the key out, as it can damage the steering system or the keyhole. Instead, try these simple steps first. If it still doesn’t work, then seek a professional mechanic to inspect the car’s electrical or mechanical components.
