What to Do When the Car Key Cannot Be Pulled Out?
2 Answers
Generally, the reason why the car key cannot be pulled out after turning off the engine is that the gear is not fully returned to the P position. In this case, check if there are any obstructions in the gear slot, remove them, start the car, shift the gear again, and ensure it is fully returned to position—then the key can be pulled out. Alternatively, while gently twisting the key with your right hand, you can wiggle the steering wheel left and right with your left hand to help release the key. Below are methods to address other scenarios where the car door cannot be opened: 1. Many modern car models come equipped with factory-installed anti-theft systems. For example, if the car is accessed without unlocking via the key fob, the system will trigger an alarm. If you use a spare mechanical key to open the door and enter the car, the anti-theft system will not receive a security signal and will interpret this as an unauthorized entry, sounding the alarm. In such cases, try pressing the unlock button while the alarm is active. If the key fob is completely out of battery, attempting to start the vehicle may deactivate the alarm. 2. If you can confirm that the issue with opening the door or starting the car is due to the key fob's battery running low, replace the battery promptly to avoid inconvenience. If replacing the battery does not resolve the issue, there may be another fault—either with the key fob itself or the car's sensing module. In such cases, visit a 4S shop or repair facility for further diagnosis and repair.
When the car key won't come out, I feel a bit annoyed because it might be caused by the steering wheel lock. The most common reason is that the steering wheel isn't straightened, which jams the key mechanism. In this case, try gently wiggling the steering wheel left and right to loosen it slightly, and the key should come out smoothly. Additionally, check if the car is completely in Park (for automatic transmission) or Neutral (for manual transmission), as improper gear position can cause the key system to mistakenly lock. If these don't work, there might be debris like dust or crumbs clogging the key slot. You can try using a hairdryer on low heat to gently blow into the keyhole, but don't overdo it to avoid damage. I usually make sure to straighten the steering wheel after driving to reduce the chances of this happening next time. If you really can't solve it, don't force the key out to avoid damaging the key or lock cylinder—it's safer to just take it to a repair shop.
