What to Do When the Car Key Won't Come Out After Turning Off the Engine?
3 Answers
Check if there is any foreign object blocking the gear slot, remove it, start the car, shift the gear again to ensure it is completely back in place, and the key can then be pulled out. While gently twisting the key with your right hand, shake the steering wheel left and right with your left hand, and the key can be turned.
Once after a long drive, I turned off the engine but couldn't pull out the key, sweating with anxiety. Actually, this is quite common—most times it's the steering wheel's automatic locking protection kicking in to prevent vehicle movement. I remind myself to stay calm first: check if the gear is firmly in Park (P), especially easy to misoperate in automatics; gently wiggle the steering wheel while trying to remove the key—usually a slight shake releases it. If low battery causes electronic system failure, restarting the engine and turning it off again often restores the signal. Neglecting lock cylinder cleaning during maintenance may also cause jamming; applying lubricant helps. If all fails, avoid forcing to prevent damage—visit a nearby repair shop. Always prioritize safety: operate in parking lots, not on roads, to avoid hazards.
I often encounter the issue of the key getting stuck after turning off the engine when parking at work, which is really annoying. A friend taught me a simple trick: always double-check if the gear is truly shifted back to P. Sometimes, with automatic transmission cars, the key gets stuck if the brake isn't fully pressed. Also, if the steering wheel isn't straightened, it can lock the key—just gently turn it left or right while pulling out the key. Restarting the car might help too, in case the electronic system acts up. A weak battery is less likely but possible, so check if the dashboard lights are off. Avoid yanking the key forcefully to prevent damaging the lock and costly repairs. It's easier to handle in a home garage, but if it happens outside, just ask someone who knows about cars for help. Developing a habit of confirming the gear position before turning off the engine can prevent this issue.
