What to Do When the Car Key Won't Come Out?
2 Answers
There are mainly the following situations and solutions when the car key won't come out: The key can't be turned after insertion: The reason is that the steering wheel was not returned to its proper position during the last parking, causing an abnormal lock of the steering wheel. The solution is to gently turn the key with your right hand while slightly shaking the steering wheel left and right with your left hand, and the key can then be turned. The key can't be pulled out after turning off the engine: The reason is that the automatic transmission's P (Park) position is not fully engaged. Sometimes it appears to be in place but hasn't touched the electronic sensor, or there might be coins or other objects in the gear slot blocking it. The solution is to check if there are any foreign objects in the gear slot and remove them; start the car, shift the gear again to ensure it's fully engaged, and then the key can be pulled out.
After driving for so many years, I've also encountered the frustration of not being able to pull out the key. I remember last time when I parked on a rainy day, the key just wouldn't come out no matter what, and I was sweating with anxiety. It turns out that the most common cause of this situation is the steering wheel being locked—when parking, if it's not straightened properly, the locking mechanism can jam the keyhole. I tried gently turning the steering wheel left and right while twisting the key, and it loosened up. Another issue could be the gear position: for automatic transmission cars, you must shift back to the P (Park) position, while for manual transmission, ensure it's in neutral. If that still doesn’t work, there might be dust or debris inside the keyhole—a quick spray of WD-40 lubricant can help. Remember not to yank the key forcefully, as it could damage the lock cylinder. To prevent this, always confirm the steering wheel and gear position are correct before turning off the engine, and avoid inserting the key too deeply. If all else fails, seek help from a professional repair shop to quickly resolve the issue and avoid delaying your trip.
