What to Do When the Car Has No Power and the Key Cannot Be Pulled Out?
4 Answers
There is a small round hole next to the keyhole; insert a pen refill or toothpick to pull out the key. Generally, car keys have the following four positions: 1. LOCK position: This is the position for inserting and removing the key. At this position, the vehicle's circuits are completely shut off except for the anti-theft system and interior small lights, and the steering wheel is locked. 2. ACC position: Accessory power-on position. When the key is turned to this position, the accessory circuit is activated, allowing devices like the radio to function. 3. ON position: Power-on position. When the key is turned to this position, the entire vehicle's circuits are activated, and the system prepares for engine start-up and performs self-checks. During normal driving, the key remains in this position. 4. START position: Engine start position. When the key is turned to this position, the starter circuit is activated, causing the engine to crank and start. Upon release, the key automatically returns to the ON position.
I've encountered this issue too, and it's really frustrating. When the car has no power and the key won't come out, it's usually because the steering column lock is stuck. The simplest solution is to gently turn the steering wheel left and right while trying to pull out the key—sometimes this can loosen the mechanical lock. If that doesn't work, quickly call a friend for a jump start: connect the red clamp to your car battery's positive terminal and the black clamp to the negative terminal or a metal part of the car frame. After powering up for a few seconds, try turning the key again. It's best to keep an emergency jump starter in your car—it's slightly larger than a matchbox and can provide emergency starts over a dozen times when fully charged. Additionally, car batteries older than three years are prone to losing charge, and high summer temperatures make it even more important to check for electrode oxidation—otherwise, you might face even bigger trouble next time you try to start the car.
Last time my neighbor's uncle's car also stalled like this, and I taught him to use a clever trick to solve the problem. First, don't forcefully pull out the key as it may damage the lock cylinder. Operate with both hands: gently shake the steering wheel with your left hand without using too much force, while simultaneously pulling out the key with your right hand. If it's still stuck, you'll need to restore power. Park another working car head-to-head with yours, connect the jumper cables to the positive and negative terminals of both car batteries, remembering to connect the rescue car first and then your car. Start the car and let it run for ten minutes before turning it off and removing the key. Normally, after parking and turning off the engine, avoid running the air conditioner or listening to music, as it particularly drains the battery. There's a crescent moon mark on the battery indicating the charge level window—if it turns black, it's time to replace it. You can do it yourself in just five minutes by loosening the electrodes with a wrench.
My best friend encountered this exact situation last week in a mall parking garage and was nearly in tears. The actual solution is quite simple: First, try turning the steering wheel while pulling out the key—this works in most cases. Second, use your phone app to call the insurance company's roadside assistance for a free jump-start within half an hour. Third, remember never to push-start an electric vehicle. Lastly, it's recommended to always keep an emergency jump starter in your car—a device about the size of a cigarette box that costs 200-300 yuan and can last up to five years. Car batteries typically last three to four years, so have your voltage tested at a repair shop before winter; replace it immediately if it's below 11 volts. High-power audio systems are the biggest drain, and forgetting to turn off interior lights overnight can also lead to a dead battery.
